Gavin Warren, tuba

Director and co-founder of Ottoni Ensemble, Gavin has performed and recorded with virtually all of Ireland's best orchestras and wind bands, including RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Irish Film Orchestra and St. Cecilia Orchestra, as well as most of the semi-professional/amateur orchestras. Having studied at the DIT Conservatory of Music, he is currently principal tubist with the Army No. 1 Band, and has appeared many times with them as soloist. Gavin enjoys arranging music for brass ensemble and concert band, as well as devoting much time to teaching brass instruments.

Rossa O'Neill, trombone

After beginning his musical training at age eleven under the guidance of Seán Fleming in the Rathfarnham Concert Band, Rossa moved to the DIT College of Music, and then on a scholarship to the RIAM where he remained until 2003 winning a scholarship every year. In 2000, whilst studying Computing at IT-Tallaght (graduated 2002 with degree in Information Technology), he was chosen as one of six brass players to represent Ireland at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Sydney. In 2001 Rossa joined the Army No. 1 band as principal trombone, and has performed as soloist with the band on numerous occasions. He has participated in trips to London and Canada with them, and in 2003 he performed as principal trombonist with a combined European Army band, which contained members of all the army bands of Europe, at the Breda Taptoe, the world famous military tattoo in the Netherlands. A founding member of Ottoni Ensemble, Rossa enjoys a busy freelance career performing all over the country in a variety of ensembles including the exciting rock band The House of Cosy Cushions who release their second album this year.

Jane Hilliard, trumpet

Since being awarded with a BA in Music Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music last year, Jane’s busy schedule has given her the opportunity to have regular deputy work with National Symphony Orchestra, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Cecilia, Lyric Opera, and Irish Film Orchestra to name but a few! She has recently played in a Naxos recording session with the NSOI, and has also recorded with Irish Film Orchestra. Jane’s dedication to music has seen her participate in masterclasses with Mark O'Keefe, Murray Greig and Crispian Steele- Perkins; be selected to take part in Jeunesses Musicales Orchestre de Suisse (twice); be a regular on the show and gig circuit; and continue to rehearse and perform with the RIAM Jazz Ensemble! As well as having performed concertos for trumpet and orchestra (by Arutunian and Vivaldi), Jane is an accomplished piano player, winning the Mai Byrne trophy in 2001.

Charles Cavanagh, trumpet

Currently studying for his masters in performance with Colm Byrne at the RIAM, some of Charles’ past tutors include, Murray Greig, John Mac Murray, David Staff and Killyan Bannister. He has participated in masterclasses with Mike Lovatt, Antoine Cure, Michael Brydenfelt, David Staff, Paul Eshellby, James Watson and John Wallace. Charles is regularly called as deputy trumpet for RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RTÉ Concert Orchestra and Orchestra of St. Cecelia. Has also performed with National Sinfonia, Lyric Opera Orchestra, RTÉ Living Music Festival Contemporary Music Ensemble, and has appeared as guest principal in the Orquestra do Algarve, Portugal. Throughout his career he has performed much of the solo repertoire for trumpet, including Shostakovich Piano Concerto for Trumpet & Strings, and the Hummell Trumpet Concerto (with orchestra), as well as many solo recitals. While studying for his degree in Manchester, Charles was keenly involved in all chamber groups open to him, and since his return in 2003 with a BA Perf has enjoyed a seat in Ottoni Ensemble.

Enda Collins, French horn

Ottoni Ensemble’s youngest member, Enda, is currently studying for a BA in Music performance at the RIAM under Victor Malrish. He has toured England, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany, Norway, Cyprus, Finland and New York with various musical ensembles including; National Youth Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, Dublin Youth Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Symphony Orchestra, RIAM Jazz ensemble and Cyprus State Youth Orchestra. He has recorded and broadcast on RTÉ Lyric FM on several occasions, most notably with RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra. Enda is also a keen Jazz pianist and plays for the RIAM Jazz Ensemble. An eager composer/arranger, he has recently written and recorded a film score for film director Sean Branigan's Chevalier soon to be premiered in Ireland.

Peadar Townsend, percussion

Bio. to follow

Other musicans who have worked with the Ottoni Ensemble:

Trumpet: John Connolly, Danny Costello, Simon Fagan, Colm MacAthliaoch, Grainne Madden, Ray McDonnell, Colum McGoona, Eamonn Nolan, Lonán Ó Briain, Niall O'Sullivan, Donal Ryan, James Smith, John Walsh

French horn: Brian Daly, Lorcan Daly, Robert Fagan, Claire Griffin, Steve Hogan, Eimear O'Brian, Fergus O'Carroll, Aoibheann O'Neill, Des Twomey

Trombone: Paul Frost, Mick Marshall, Paddy McNamara, Barry O'Dwyer, Roddy O'Keeffe, Brian Pepper, Gavin Roche, Stephen Mathieson

Tuba: Andrew Brady, JJ Kavanagh, James Kerins, Francis Magee

Additional personell: Robert Gereghty - tenor sax; Rebecca Halliday - oboe