SUNDAY, 15 MARCH 2026
CLOSING DATE: 31 JANUARY 2026
Performing Arts Centre, Redmaids’ High School, Westbury Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3AW
INSTRUMENTAL SECTION INFORMATION
ELIZABETH BRAZIER
GRSM, ARCM, LRAM, DipEd
Elizabeth Brazier was born in London and is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied piano with Guy Jonson and cello with Derek Simpson. Her first teaching post brought her to Cornwall and she has lived in Truro ever since. It is as a cellist and cello teacher that Elizabeth has become principally known, although she is also a pianist, and was one of the founder members of the leading local opera company, and sang principal roles in its early productions.
Elizabeth is an active leader of day and residential cello courses for adults. She has taught in many schools and has a thriving practice at home, teaching cello, piano and theory. She plays in orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups around the South West.
Her work as an Associated Board Examiner has taken her all over the world, an aspect of her profession that she particularly enjoys. In nearly thirty years’ examining, she has gained experience in Britain, America, Bermuda, Scandinavia, Iceland, South Africa, Mauritus, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. She is on the Board of Theory Examiners for ABRSM.
Of her three sons, two - Ben and Daniel - have followed her into music. This has been a satisfying bonus to a lifelong love and enthusiasm for performing and teaching.
GRSM, ARCM, LRAM, DipEd
Elizabeth Brazier was born in London and is a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied piano with Guy Jonson and cello with Derek Simpson. Her first teaching post brought her to Cornwall and she has lived in Truro ever since. It is as a cellist and cello teacher that Elizabeth has become principally known, although she is also a pianist, and was one of the founder members of the leading local opera company, and sang principal roles in its early productions.
Elizabeth is an active leader of day and residential cello courses for adults. She has taught in many schools and has a thriving practice at home, teaching cello, piano and theory. She plays in orchestras, ensembles and chamber groups around the South West.
Her work as an Associated Board Examiner has taken her all over the world, an aspect of her profession that she particularly enjoys. In nearly thirty years’ examining, she has gained experience in Britain, America, Bermuda, Scandinavia, Iceland, South Africa, Mauritus, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. She is on the Board of Theory Examiners for ABRSM.
Of her three sons, two - Ben and Daniel - have followed her into music. This has been a satisfying bonus to a lifelong love and enthusiasm for performing and teaching.
- Teachers, parents and performers are advised to read the Festival Rules and the following Instrumental Rules carefully.
- All classes are own choice.
- All time limits must be strictly adhered to, otherwise the performer may be penalised. See Festival Rule 7.
- All music for the Official Accompanist must be submitted to the Instrumental Section Secretary by 1 March of the Festival Year. See Festival Rules 13-14.
- Copies of all music performed must be provided for the Adjudicator. See Festival Rule 15.
- Substitutions for duet and ensemble classes will be at the discretion of the Instrumental Section Secretary.
- Only one piece may be played in a class.
- A performer may only enter a class once unless otherwise stated. However, a performer may enter with a different partner or group. See Festival Rule 8.
- Performers should not have passed any exams higher than the grade of class entered unless with a different instrument and piece of music. See Festival Rule 9.
- Performers may enter classes non-competitively. Prior notification to the Instrumental Section Secretary must be given. Prior to the start of the class, performers should inform the Adjudicator's Steward. The Adjudicator will only make comments and no trophy will be awarded.
MARIA PARFITT
1 Back Stoke Lane
Briar Cottage
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS9 3QT
[t] 07718 797273
[e] instrumental@bristolfestival.co.uk
1 Back Stoke Lane
Briar Cottage
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS9 3QT
[t] 07718 797273
[e] instrumental@bristolfestival.co.uk
Bristol Festival Syllabus 2026