Karen Street

By sheer chance Karen started playing the accordion at the age of 7.  She studied at Bath University, RWMCD and in London with the late Ivor Beynon, a pioneer of the classical accordion. She is also a saxophonist and as a composer for both instruments.  From a classical background she branched out into jazz and other genres early in her career.  Her passion has always been to challenge people’s preconceptions of the much-maligned accordion. Karen has played with a host of well-known performers, including Bryan Ferry, Ute Lemper, Grace Jones, Martha Wainwright, Andrea Bocelli as well as companies including the RSC, the RPO, Opera North, LSO, BBC Philharmonic, Icebreaker, Matrix Ensemble, Royal Opera House, RTE Orchestra and Ballet Rambert. She was a member of the Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour band for three seasons.  For WNO she recently played in the ensemble for Rhondda Rips it Up!