Callum Smart is quickly developing an international reputation as one of Britain’s finest young violinists. Playing with ‘an inherent nobility that speaks to the heart’ (International Record Review), he is celebrated for combining ‘brilliant technique with the confidence to take risks’ (Bachtrack) and his ‘utterly convincing’ interpretations (BBC Music Magazine).
Recognised as a rising star since winning the BBC Young Musician strings category and being the top European prize-winner at the Menuhin Competition in 2010, Smart now enjoys concert appearances with the UK’s leading orchestras, including re-invitations to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the Philharmonia Orchestra. In 2020-21, Callum makes his debut with the Hallé Orchestra performing Korngold’s Violin Concerto, and also a Boston debut with the Lexington Symphony Orchestra performing Elgar’s Violin Concerto.
2016 saw the release of Smart’s second disc on the Orchid Classics Label with pianist Richard Uttley. ‘La Voix’ – including works by Fauré, Poulenc and Ravel – featured as one of the Strad Magazine’s recommended recordings of the month, and was accorded 4 star reviews both in the BBC Music Magazine and the Observer.
