UK's Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra Appoints New Musicians

The orchestra's new string players include Nadia Debono, Peter Liang, Anna Crawford, and Angus McCall 

The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the appointment of six new musicians including Nadia Debono, Associate Principal Viola; Peter Liang, No. 4 First Violin; Anna Crawford and Angus McCall, the cello section; Fábio Brum, Section Leader Trumpet; and Miquel Ramos Salvadó, Section Leader Clarinet. 

The new members will begin their tenures performing in the 2024/25 season opener at Philharmonic Hall on October 17. Led by Chief Conductor Domingo Hindoyan, the program includes Mahler’s First Symphony, Juan Bautista Plaza’s Vigilia, and Strauss’ Four Last Songs featuring soprano Sarah Wegener. 

Nadia Debono was previously Principal Viola of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, which she first joined in 1997. In 2022, she was appointed as Solo Principal Viola with Norway’s Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra. She often performs as a guest with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, The Netherlands Philharmonic, Luxembourg Philharmonic, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, plus is a member of the European Union Baroque Orchestra, New Century Baroque, and Valletta International Baroque Ensemble.

“From the first day of my trial period I immediately got drawn to the positive musical energy and the welcoming environment that the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has to offer,” Debono said in the press release. “Since then I had the privilege to play more often with these incredible musicians that I can now officially call them colleagues and friends. I can’t wait to step in the newly refurbished Philharmonic Hall, being part of this new family! I’m very honored and lucky!” 

Peter Liang studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and was a member of the First Violin section of the Hallé between 2011 and 2022. As part of the Aurora Orchestra he has performed many concerts entirely from memory — his recent performance of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale was broadcast on BBC to critical acclaim and was released in February 2023 on the Hallé label.

A recent graduate from the Royal College of Music, Anna Crawford regularly performs throughout the UK and Europe with orchestras including the Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony. Previously, she performed with the European Union Youth Orchestra and LGT Young Soloists. She has also performed at the Quatre-Cordes Festival, European Music Gallery Festival, Maiastra Chamber Music, and the Europa Cultural Heritage Summit. 

“I’m delighted to be joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra full-time,” Crawford said. “It’s been great getting to know the orchestra over the past year and performances of Stravinsky’s Firebird and Tchaikovsky’s Souvenir de Florence have been absolute highlights. I’m very excited to play alongside such inspiring musicians and to join this wonderful cello section”. 

Angus McCall earned degrees at the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Robert Cohen. His recent engagements include trials with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera, and Scottish Opera, plus work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, Britten Sinfonia, and English Chamber Orchestra in both principal and tutti positions.

“Since my first rehearsal with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, I’ve been spellbound by the quality of musicianship and the friendliness and openness of this wonderful Orchestra,” he said on his appointment. “I look forward to joining the mighty cello section and can’t wait for a fantastic season ahead!” 

A Brazilian trumpet soloist, Fábio Brum is a former member of the Canadian Brass and Principal Trumpet for both the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra. Brum also regularly holds masterclasses at international music schools. 

Miquel Ramos Salvadó has regularly performed with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonhalle Zürich, Liceu Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonieorchester Basel, and Festival Strings Lucerne. He is also a member of the Azahar Ensemble, and of the project Spira Mirabilis, plus was recently appointed Visiting Professor of Clarinet at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

“It’s my pleasure to welcome our newest musicians to the Liverpool Philharmonic family,” noted Liverpool Philharmonic’s CEO Michael Eakin. “Their exceptional skills and devotion to their craft will undoubtedly enrich our ensemble. We're thrilled to have them join us and eagerly anticipate their debut performances this season. Their arrival marks an exciting chapter in our orchestra’s journey, and we look forward to the fresh perspectives and artistry they'll bring to our stage.”