The Team

Donald Grant Artistic Director

Donald Grant is a violinist, fiddle player, collaborator and composer based in Glasgow, Scotland. At an early age he was immersed in the folk tradition of the Highlands of Scotland, learning Gaelic songs from his father who was a singer and teacher. He has since followed a path that defies one musical genre, travelling the globe collaborating with many artists and organisations.

He founded the Elias String Quartet in 1998. As one of Europe’s leading Chamber ensembles they have toured extensively, regularly playing in concert halls including Carnegie Hall (New York), Recital Centre (Melbourne), Wigmore Hall (London), Southbank Centre (London), Musikverein (Vienna), Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) Konserthaus (Berlin) and Suntory Hall (Tokyo). They also have an extensive and acclaimed recording catalogue including the Complete Beethoven Quartets for the Wigmore Hall’s “Live” label.

Donald is Artistic Director of ChamberStudio and Deputy Head of Chamber Music at the Royal Northern College of Music.

A passionate advocate for the music of his native home, Donald’s recent solo performances include the Wigmore Hall, Southwell Festival, Cucagnan Festival, RNCM Festival and the Weesp Festival. He writes and arranges music for himself and for others and can heard on his solo album “The Way Home”. In 2024 he looks forward to new collaborations and commissions from the Aurora Orchestra, Manchester Collective and Manchester Camerata.