Mike Hamnett
UK London

A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Mike has found success in many different musical spheres. As a percussionist, Mike has played with the Halle, BBC Philharmonic and Scottish Symphony Orchestras, both in the concert hall and the recording studio,premiering works by such diverse composers as Tan Dun,Gordon McPherson,Nicholas Maw and Bill Connor.

In 1993/4 as a member of the Tony Evans Orchestra,resident band at the Sporting Club of Monte Carlo,Mike played alongside Stevie Wonder,Whitney Houston,Tony Bennett,Earth,Wind and Fire,Natalie Cole and Ute Lemper

As a soloist Mike has performed recitals across the country, including the world premiere of Paul Mitchell-Davidsons marimba concerto Africana which was subsequently broadcast on ITVs critically acclaimed arts programme Celebration. Other notable performances include Paul Crestons Concertino for Marimba at the Royal Festival Hall,London, and the Free Trade Hall,Manchester, and John Metcalfs Marimba Concerto at the Aberystwyth Musikfest. In July 2006, Mike will be performing as part of the Linz International Marimba Competition and Festival.

As a chamber musician, Mike has performed and recorded extensively with the Apollo Saxophone Quartet including the Decca album First and Foremost, but more recently has been working in collaboration with the award-winning saxophonist Sarah Field. The duo,known as SNAPDRAGON, made their packed London debut in July 2005 and have recently performed at the Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA).

As of July 2006 Mike is on trial for the position of Co-principal percussionist with the BBC Concert Orchestra.