Adam is a widely performed violinist and composer. Adam’s grandfather first introduced him to music. His grandfather studied the violin with Joachim's last pupil and with Adolf Brodsky, the violinist who premiered the Tchaikovsky concerto. Adam learnt the violin first from his grandfather and then from Yfrah Neaman, one of the twentieth century's greatest pedagogues.
Adam has performed chamber music for over 20 years - since meeting his wife (and pianist) Catherine at music college. They have performed throughout Europe and have given a number of Purcell Room recitals, including first performances of works by Aaron Copland. They have also premiered many contemporary works there, as part of the UK and Eire Composition Platform which they ran for four years.
In 2000 Adam recruited cellist Joseph Spooner to form the Summerhayes Piano trio and they produced several albums including first recordings of Copland, Alan Bush and 19th & early 20th century English composers. Also in 2000, Adam became director of London Concertante which developed into a very busy chamber ensemble with upwards of 100 concerts a year throughout the country.
Latterly, Adam has formed the band ZUM which is a new project exploring his growing interest in the electric violin.
Adam has recorded over 20 albums duo, trio, larger chamber music, ZUM and other interesting projects - for Harmonia Mundi, Chandos, ASV, Meridian, Sargasso and others. He has also recorded live for BBC Radio 3.
Top tracks by Adam Summerhayes
