The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is delighted to announce the appointment of six new musicians. 

The musicians join ahead of the opening concert of the 2024-25 season at Philharmonic Hall on Thursday 17 October. Chief Conductor, Domingo Hindoyan will lead the Orchestra in Mahler’s First Symphony, Juan Bautista Plaza’s Vigilia and Strauss’ Four Last Songs where they will be joined by renowned German soprano Sarah Wegener. 

The new musicians joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra are Fábio Brum, who joins as Section Leader Trumpet, Miquel Ramos Salvadó as Section Leader Clarinet, Nadia Debono as Associate Principal Viola, Peter Liang as No.4 1st Violin and Anna Crawford and Angus McCall joining the Cello section. 

Chief Executive of Liverpool Philharmonic Michael Eakin said: “It's my pleasure to welcome our newest musicians to the Liverpool Philharmonic family. 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." 

Fábio Brum joins the Orchestra as Section Leader Trumpet. A renowned Brazilian trumpet soloist, Fabio is celebrated for his technical brilliance and captivating performances. As a former member of the Canadian Brass and Principal Trumpet for both the Royal Seville Symphony Orchestra and the Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, Fábio has performed on prestigious stages across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. A passionate educator, Fábio frequently teaches masterclasses around the world, sharing his expertise with the next generation of musicians. His career continues to thrive, marked by innovation, education, and artistry at the highest level. Fábio is excited to begin his role as section leader trumpet at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic further cementing his place in the classical music world. His versatile discography highlights his commitment to expanding the trumpet's repertoire, from classical masterpieces to contemporary premieres. 

On his appointment, Fábio said: “I am delighted and honoured to accept the position as Section Leader Trumpet for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with such high-level musicians, to work with Maestro Domingo Hindoyan and world-class guest conductors and soloists, while being supported by such an enthusiastic and engaged community and audience. It is such a privilege to become part of the UK’s oldest continuing professional symphony orchestra and I am very much looking forward to starting my job here in this beautiful and iconic city." 

Miquel Ramos Salvadó joins the Orchestra as Section Leader Clarinet. Miquel has regularly performed in orchestras such the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Tonhalle Zürich, Liceu Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonieorchester Basel, Festival Strings Luzern and some others. Since 2017 he is member of the woodwind quintet Azahar Ensemble, winner of the ARD Munich Competition and with which he has performed in most of the main halls and festivals in Europe, including the Berliner Philharmonie, Mozarteum Salzburg, Konzerthaus Wien, Elbphilharmonie Hamburg, Palau de la Música in Barcelona, Auditorio Nacional in Madrid and the Festival Baden-Baden. From 2016 Miquel is also member of the project Spira Mirabilis. As a chamber music performer he has collaborated with musicians like Lorenza Borrani, Denes Varjon, Rosalía Gómez Lasheras, Dag Jensen and the Cosmos Quartet. He has been recently appointed Visiting Professor of Clarinet at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. 

On his appointment, Miquel said: “There are few moments when things happen in an organic and pleasant way. When that happens, one feels fascinated and grateful. Being part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is certainly one of these moments. From the first contact with my new colleagues in the Orchestra I felt that I fit in with them both on a human and musical level. I am very grateful to them for giving me the space from the very first rehearsal to express myself musically with full confidence, as well as for welcoming me so warmly. What a privilege and what a joy to be able to be part of this orchestra and to have the opportunity to make my small contribution so that the project continues to bring joy and moments of beauty to the city of Liverpool." 

Anna Crawford joins the cellos of the Orchestra. Anna graduated from the Royal College of Music in 2024, where she studied with Gemma Rosefield, supported by the RCM Victor and Lilian Hochhauser Scholarship, Countess of Munster Musical Trust Derek Butler Award, St James’s Piccadilly Instrumental Scholarship, Peter Rogers Music Scholarship, Help Musicians Postgraduate Award and Philharmonia Orchestra MMSF Instrumental Fellowship. As an orchestral player Anna regularly performs throughout the UK and Europe with orchestras including the Philharmonia and Bournemouth Symphony. Previously, Anna has performed with international ensembles such as the European Union Youth Orchestra and LGT Young Soloists. Alongside orchestral performance, Anna has given recitals at venues including Fairfield Halls, The Foundling Museum, St Olave Hart Street and as part of the Sevenoaks Music Club Chamber Music Series. As a chamber musician, she has performed in projects and festivals around Europe, including the Quatre-Cordes Festival, the European Music Gallery Festival, Maiastra Chamber Music and at the Europa Cultural Heritage Summit. Anna is also passionate about exploring the versatility of the cello and has recently co-curated projects and performances at the Royal College of Art. 

On her appointment, Anna said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra full-time. 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 also joins the cellos of the Orchestra. Born in Belfast, he graduated with First Class Honours from the University of Oxford where he read German, and with Distinction from the Royal Academy of Music where he studied with Robert Cohen. Recent engagements include trials with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, English National Opera and Scottish Opera, as well as regular extra 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. Angus performed the Dvořák Cello Concerto with the Ulster Orchestra in 2022, as well as a solo recital broadcast on BBC radio thanks to the Arts Council and BBC NI Young Musicians’ Platform Award. Other solo and chamber engagements include the Belfast International Chamber Music Festival, the Fidelio Trio Winter Chamber Music Festival, the Boyne Music Festival and the Clandeboye Festival with Barry Douglas.  

On his appointment, Angus said: “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. I look forward to joining the mighty cello section and can’t wait for a fantastic season ahead!” 

Nadia Debono joins the Orchestra as Associate Principal Viola. A viola player and violinist from Malta, Nadia’s experience spans multiple genres and styles, including baroque and non-classical. Nadia joined the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in 1997 and was appointed co-leader in 2001. Twelve years later she won an audition for Principal Viola. In 2022, she was appointed as Solo Principal Viola with the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra, in Norway. She has been invited regularly as a guest viola and guest principal viola with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, The Netherlands Philharmonic, the Luxembourg Philharmonic, the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Le Cercle de L’ Harmonie amongst others. As a chamber musician, her experience includes numerous performances in Malta, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia, as a member with the MPO string quartet and in collaboration with various chamber groups from La Scala, and the Berlin Philharmonic. As a baroque violinist, Nadia joined the European Union Baroque Orchestra in 2009. Following that year, she joined the newly formed New Century Baroque, with whom she performed and recorded across Europe. As a leader and co-leader of the Valletta International Baroque Ensemble, Nadia has collaborated with distinguished artists such as Emma Kirkby, Mahan Esfahani and Catherine Martin. She is also a regular guest with various baroque ensembles in Bremen and Delmenhorst, Germany. As a teacher, Nadia has held positions as a tutor of the Malta Youth Orchestra, and at the Malta School of Music. Her students gain recognition in Malta and beyond, and her teaching contributes to the continuous growth of young musicians. 

On her appointment, Nadia said: “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. 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 honoured and lucky!”