Katy Smith is a
celebrated solo violinist whose artistry captivates audiences across the UK and
beyond. Known for her expressive interpretations, technical precision, and a
profound connection to her instrument, Katy’s performances resonate with deep emotion
and musical insight.
Katy has a deep passion
for the development of the violin bow and its impact on her interpretation of
different repertoire. Her personal affinity for bows, inspired by her own
physical challenges with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, has uniquely shaped her
playing and interpretation. Katy’s passion for exploring how different bows
influence sound and style has made her a distinctive voice in classical music,
with one reviewer noting the “layers of emotion” and “romantic energy” her approach
brings to her performances.
In 2024, Katy gave a performance
of Elgar’s Violin Concerto with the Hertfordshire Philharmonia Orchestra, using
Elgar’s own bow. This unforgettable concert received high praise from the Elgar
Society, who commended her emotive interpretation and full command of the piece.
Katy recently formed a
duo partnership with pianist Amy Butler, whose debut recital was met with
glowing acclaim. A critic praised their “synergistic” performance of a
Ravel-themed programme highlighting Katy’s “ardent bowing and deft fingerwork”
alongside Amy’s “exemplary and responsive” playing. Their sensitive
collaboration shone in works such as The Lark Ascending and Ravel’s Tzigane,
with one reviewer remarking, “this performance was as good as it gets!”
Career highlights
include solo appearances with numerous orchestras across the UK and abroad,
including a last-minute tour to Prague performing Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto
twice in one day. In 2023, she arranged and directed Tartini’s Devil’s Trill
Sonata and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons for string orchestra and harpsichord at
Oxford’s Sheldonian Theatre. She has also been a featured soloist at the Battle
Proms, performing to audiences of up to 10,000, and was invited back multiple
times as their favourite soloist.
A graduate of the Yehudi
Menuhin School, the Royal College of Music, and the Royal Academy of Music,
Katy studied with Berent Korfker and György Pauk. She has won numerous
competitions, including the Eastbourne International Young Soloist Competition,
and was a strings finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year.
Katy is also an advocate
for musicians with disabilities, sharing her journey with Ehlers-Danlos
Syndrome on social media to inspire others.
Katy performs on a fine
18th-century English violin made by Nathaniel Cross and is
generously sponsored by Pirastro.