Bernard Osborne

Bernard studied at the Royal Academy of Music from 1963 - 67. His tutors were Molly Mack for violin, Gwynn Edwards for viola and Richard Stoker for composition. He led the viola section of the Academy Symphony Orchestra for some time playing under such conductors as Sir John Barbirolli, Maurice Miles, Maurice Hanford, Sir Adrian Boult and Colin Davis.

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During his career he has worked in London, Kent, Yorkshire and the Isle of Man as a professional violinist and viola player, peripatetic instrumental teacher in both private and state schools, Head of Music at QE II  and St. Ninian’s High School and most recently, before retirement, as Head of the Dept. of Education Music Service. He has also been closely associated with the Manx Youth Orchestra since its foundation as founder in 1971, conductor, tour leader and now as President of the Friends of the Manx Youth Orchestra.

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In 1995 he was made an Honorary Member of the Manx Folk Dance Society for which he has played the violin since 1970. In the late 70’s he was amongst a group of people who, under the leadership of Mona Douglas, re-established Yn Chruinnaght in Ramsey, often acting as adjudicator. 

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A devotee of Manx music he has featured on several locally produced recordings, videos and CDs as a violinist. He has also appeared on local and national radio and television broadcasts in Britain and Wales as a violinist. 

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He has played as violin soloist at the Mananan Festival, in the La Tour de France Music Festival, also the Erin Arts Centre Chamber Orchestra in the Isle of Man and with various orchestras in England, Germany and Italy.