Double bassist Will Duerden is fast becoming one of the most sought-after artists of his generation.

In demand as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral leader, his growing international career spans four continents.

Will, who comes from a musical family, started playing the double bass aged 7. Two years later, he was awarded a full scholarship to the Yehudi Menuhin School, where his teacher was Caroline Emery. He counts playing as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician at the Wigmore Hall among the highlights from his time at the school. Will attended the Royal College of Music for his undergraduate studies continuing with Caroline Emery, and a Masters Degree with Rodrigo Moro Martin, and was awarded a full ABRSM scholarship for both courses.

Today, Will pursues an active freelance career in different musical avenues. As a keen chamber musician, he has worked with such fine artists as Thomas Ades, the Sitkovetsky Trio, Steven Isserlis, the Wigmore Soloists and many more. Will is a member of the LGT Young Soloists, a group of outstanding young musicians who perform internationally in venues such as the Konzerthaus Berlin and Elbphilharmonie Hamburg.

Following a rigorous audition process which culminated with a final audition at Wigmore Hall in June 2023, Will was selected to join the prestigious Young Classical Artists Trust’s (YCAT) roster. Alongside artistic management, the Trust provides performing opportunities in the UK and abroad as well as other career advancement and developmental opportunities.

Will was the 1st Prizewinner of the Haslemere String Competition, RCM Bass Competition two years running, the Peter Morrison Concerto Competition, 2nd and Required piece Prize at the ISB Bass Competition USA, Yorke Double Bass Prize at the ROSL String Final and the RCM Concerto Competition which led to his being a soloist with the RCM Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vasily Petrenko.

Will has distinguished himself as a leading orchestral player, regularly performing as Principal Bass with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sinfonia of London, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the Aurora Orchestra, the English National Opera and the Royal Northern Sinfonia where in January this year he started a tenured position as Principle Bass. Will has won auditions for positions with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and worked with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra.

Will received special permission by Edgar Meyer, the renowned bassist and composer, to perform two of his works at the Wigmore Hall - a considerable privilege as the composer does not publish his scores or allow others to perform his works. A purveyor of new music, Will has received several new pieces specially written for him, and is currently working with some of the worlds most renowned composers on new commissions.

Recently, Will has been awarded multiple awards including the LSO Conservatiore Scholarship, Countess of Munster Trust Award, Drake Calleja Trust Award, Hattori foundation Award, and has been chosen to be a Borletti Buitoni Trust Fellowship holder, as well as being selected as one of Classic FM’s 2024 Rising Stars. Future projects include numerous recitals and masterclasses, solo and orchestral performances with the LGT Young Soloists on tours of Italy, Sydney, Singapore, Bangkok and Tokyo, performances as Principal Double Bass with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Amsterdam Sinfonietta and Royal Northern Sinfonia, and a tour of UK with musicians Selected from the IMS Prussia Cove International Seminars.

Highlights of this season include multiple Solo recitals across the UK including the Wigmore Hall, a World Premiere of a work by Sam Perkin written for Will, directing the Royal Northern Sinfonia from the Double Bass and a concerto with the WDR Cologne orchestra next year.

Will enjoys all aspects of the double bass. He has a passion for everything from baroque music to jazz and wants to pursue a performing career encompassing all styles and genres. When not engaged with his bass, Will enjoys attending other musical performances. At home, he enjoys riding his Motorbike, cooking and dedicates himself to extending, through plenty of practical research, his knowledge of beer and wine.