Brilliant International Musicians Series: Jamie Cochrane (piano) and Basil Alter (violin)

Jamie Cochrane – Piano
Praised for playing of “delicacy and vigour” with “great clarity,” Jamie Cochrane is equally at home as a concerto soloist, song accompanist, and chamber musician. A Tillett Trust Debut Artist, he recently won first prize at the 2024 Norah Sande Award and was runner-up at the 2025 Bromsgrove International Musicians’ Competition. His concerto appearances include Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 with Colchester Symphony Orchestra and Bernstein’s The Age of Anxiety with the de Havilland Philharmonic Orchestra, alongside recitals at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford.

Jamie studied at Merton College, Oxford, where he graduated with a first-class degree and later held a Graduate Musician in Residence post at St Hilda’s College. From 2019 to 2022 he was pianist for the contemporary group Ensemble ISIS, collaborating with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has recently completed his Master’s degree at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was awarded the DipRAM for outstanding performance in his final recital.

Basil Alter – Violin
American violinist Basil Alter is quickly establishing himself on international stages. In the 2025–2026 season, highlights include concerts in New York with pianist Ariel Lanyi, chamber performances with the Memphis Chamber Music Society, and concerto appearances with the Ernest Read Symphony Orchestra, Samson Orchestra, and Guildford Symphony. In the UK, he performs regularly in recital, collaborating with pianists including Julian Chan and Dafydd Chapman.

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, Basil led the Academy orchestra at the 2025 Aldeburgh Festival under Ed Gardner and undertook research projects on Stravinsky editions and long-distance performance practice. Before moving to the UK, he studied at the Manhattan School of Music, where he won the chamber music prize and frequently led the orchestra.