Biography
Ana do Vale was born in Portugal and began learning the violin at six years old, winning awards from a young age in contests including the Pacos’ Premium and the Braga String Competition. Ana attended ARTAVE professional music school in Portugal before moving to London to study for her undergraduate degree at the Royal College of Music (RCM). Ana continued her studies with a master’s degree in Advanced Instrumental Studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, graduating in 2015.
As an orchestral musician, Ana has played with Portuguese orchestras Orquestra ARTAVE and APROARTE Symphony Orchestra, working with conductors such as Ernest Schelle and Colin Metters. Since moving to London, Ana has played with the RCM Philharmonic Orchestra and RCM Symphony Orchestra, directed by conductors such as John Wilson, Sir Roger Norrington and Bernard Haitink. As a member of the Guildhall Symphony Orchestra, Ana performed with the London Symphony Orchestra directed by Simon Rattle and during her time in London has performed in venues including Cadogan Hall, the Royal Festival Hall and the Barbican.
With a keen interest in Baroque, Ana began studying Baroque violin with Adrian Butterfield whilst at RCM, performing with RCM Baroque Orchestra and Belsize Baroque. Ana is very active in the chamber music field and most notably Ana’s string trio, the Tercina Trio, was recently awarded a substantial scholarship to participate and perform in the Chilingirian Quartet Summer Course at West Dean College. Ana is currently a member of the Portugese Orquestra XXI.
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What or who inspired you to become a professional musician?
Being a professional violinist was entirely the fault of my teachers. I have always been amazed by their stories and experiences. I dreamed about following their steps, as well as embracing and enjoying this profession and lifestyle.
What do you love about classical music?
Classical music is a genre full of different perspectives and possibilities, from the Baroque to the minimalist aesthetics. Listening to and studying classical music is time-travelling through history and culture. I just adore it. It is so exciting!
What is your most embarrassing or amusing musical moment?
I was warming up for an orchestral concert and I decided to improvise, as I was about to be assessed in the following week for my improvisation module. Suddenly, I heard the tuning while I was alone backstage. I ran and the whole orchestra was already on stage! But luckily, I managed to appear before the conductor… So embarrassing.