Cerys Tooby

Cerys developed a passion for playing chamber music and began playing in the National Youth Orchestra in her early teenage years. She also enjoyed playing in amateur orchestras alongside her father.

Aged 16, Cerys was offered a place at the prestigious Chetham’s Music School in Manchester, UK, studying violin under Christopher Ling and Yossi Zivoni. After completing school, Cerys was offered a scholarship to attend the Royal Northern College of Music. However, with a torn heart, she decided to accept a place at the University of Cambridge to study a mathematics degree. She was awarded a music scholarship from Cambridge University, which enabled her to continue violin lessons in London with Yossi Zivoni, alongside her mathematics degree.

Whilst at university, Cerys joined the Bridge String Quartet, receiving tuition from the Chilingrian String Quartet and David Takeno. She also led the Cambridge University’s Symphony Orchestra and played in their Chamber Orchestra, with conductors such as Mark Wigglesworth and Vernon Handley.

After graduating from Cambridge University, Cerys took a position in the Janacek Philharmonic Orchestra in the Czech Republic. Returning to England one year later, Cerys accepted a permanent position in the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. Cerys also undertook trials with the City of Birmingham Orchestra, the Northern Ballet Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Cerys first came to Perth on a “job exchange” between the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and WASO. Whilst in Perth, Cerys auditioned for a permanent position with WASO and was successful in attaining a permanent seat in the orchestra.

Alongside playing in WASO, Cerys continues to perform chamber music as a member of the Pinnacle String Quartet, and also enjoys teaching a number of violin students.

Cerys is married to WASO double bass player, Mark Tooby. Cerys and Mark have three children, and enjoy walking and camping as a family.