John Pearce was born in Bristol to a musical family. He began playing the violin at seven years old. His vocation was evident by the time he was eleven years old. He performed at the Royal Albert Hall as well as on BBC television, which helped propel his early career. He gave concerts in Austria and Belgium, the Czech Republic, and at places such as St. Martin in the Fields or St. John’s Smith Square during his teens. His early musical career included leading the International Youth String Orchestra, performing at IMS Prussia Cove masterclasses, and being awarded the Former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State’s Outstanding Contribution to Music Award. He received a bursary from the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied with Gyorgy Puk. Later, he continued his private studies with Nic Fallowfield as well as Bela Katona, a hungarian pedagogue. John was invited to Japan to study Bach with Takeichiro Hirai (a disciple of Pablo Casals). John was drawn inexorably to jazz music and was surrounded by young talent from the Bristol scene. He performed with James Morton and Alex Hutchings, and Andy Sheppard, whose encouragement and influence he greatly appreciated. John’s musical relationship with David Newton, his mentor and pianist, was also a success. He recorded his debut album, “Just Friends”, with Will Harris, Ian Matthews and John, and it was released in 2019 to much critical acclaim. John’s devotion to jazz is the core of his musical life. However, he has continued to be a sought-after classical soloist. He has given duo recitals with Motoki Hirai, composer and pianist, and performed concertos by Sibelius, Elgar, Brahms and Elgar with Jonathan Trimm and Stroud Symphony Orchestra conductor. Yehudi Menuhin created the Live Music Now program as an outreach organization for musicians. He continues to teach workshops and masterclasses. John will continue to perform with David Newton in a duo or quartet, and will also be starting a long-term recording endeavor, which will explore older jazz music from New Orleans. from www.johnpearceviolin.com
