ASSOCIATE PIANIST

Ailsa Aitkenhead was appointed the Reid Consort's first Associate Pianist in Summer 2019. The role includes accompanying select performances, auditions and rehearsals, and providing input into artistic planning of Reid Consort activities. Her recent Reid Consort projects have included Rossini Petite Messe Solennelle at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dove's The Passing of the Year and PATCHWORK REQUIEM.

Ailsa Aitkenhead graduated with distinction from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland; where she achieved the Alex Menzies Award for an outstanding accompanist. She was highly commended in the Governors Recital Prize.

Since then, she has worked as a staff accompanist at Edinburgh University and St Andrews University. Alongside her work with the Reid Consort, she is in demand as a choral society and chamber choir accompanist across Scotland. Ailsa's numerous collaborative projects include work with the Empyrean Ensemble, with clarinettist Jean Johnson and soprano Jessica Leary; and the Gál Trio, with violinist Emma Donald and cellist Katie Johnson.