Craig Stratton was born in Okinawa and started to learn the violin at the age of eight. He studied Music at Kingston University and continued postgraduate studies in violin at Trinity College of Music, London where he received his Licentiate diploma and later his Fellowship diploma. Craig spent a further two years studying in Prague with Ivan Straus.
He has given recitals on Mediterranean and Norwegian cruises and has played in Miami and in the Czech Republic. Solo performances with orchestra include Mendelssohn, Bruch and Mozart concertos, Vivaldi Four Seasons, Beethoven Romances and Dvorak's Romance and Mazurek.
Along with Simon Howat (piano), he performed at the Latour Festival in the South of France. Recitals in 2008, include Chichester and in Milton Keynes.
Craig is a member of the New Mozart Orchestra which perform educational concerts in schools around the south-east of the UK. He leads the Eclectic String Quartet which perform at weddings and corporate functions. Craig also is part of the "Haywainers" Barn Dance group which is also available for bookings.
Craig released his first CD of Czech romantic works for violin and piano entitled
“From the Homeland” recently featured on Classic FM’s Evening Concert series, Dublin’s Lyric FM and given three stars in the Classic FM magazine. The disc is available at
www.classicalrecording.co.uk
www.czecheverything.co.uk
and also by direct order through the contacts page.
Details of all forthcoming concerts and recitals are available on the concerts page.
Craig does not always stick to the classical music scene and has played for numerous pop bands including Julian Cope on his album "Interpreter" and has appeared on the "Later with Jools Holland" show with "Tindersticks".
Craig has made many appearances as background on TV and film including Bridget Jones, Foyles War and Star Wars Episode 1 (as an alien) and even on the Richard and Judy show! At present he teaches at Caldicott prep school in Farnham Royal and helps run many of the musical events of the school.