Christian Halstead started learning the violin with his mother at the age of five. He subsequently studied at the Royal College of Music, where he performed Vaughan-Williams’ Lark Ascending with the RCM Symphony Orchestra. He has since established himself as a freelance violinist, notably with London Mozart Players, London Concert Orchestra, London Festival Orchestra, 18th Century Concert Orchestra and Dorset Opera. He has been 1st violinist of the Abraxas String Quartet since 1999, and is a founder member of both Souhbank Sinfonia and The Auriga Strings. Christian was also leader of the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Orchestra for the 2010 season.