Acoustic Percussion Graham C. John series - GJ1

Born in Christchurch, New Zealand, from a young age Graham benefited from New Zealand’s rich musical education system, playing with the Christchurch Youth Orchestra, Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, the New Zealand National Youth Orchestra and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. In 1978 at the age of 19, Graham was appointed Principal Timpanist of the Tasmania Symphony Orchestra in Hobart, the youngest ever player in the country at that time.

In 1983 Graham was appointed as Section Leader Percussion of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held until his retirement in 2023. On a number of occasions performed as a soloist with the RLPO including the UK premier of Takemitsu ‘Gitimalya’ for marimba and orchestra (broadcast live on BBC Radio 3) along with other well know works by Bartók, Milhaud and Panufnik. He continues to be invited to play with several of the UK’s leading symphony orchestras. 

In 1995, by special invitation, Graham became a founding member of the World Orchestra for Peace conducted by Sir George Solti. This exceptional ensemble performs regularly at the BBC Proms in London and around the world as ‘Ambassadors for peace’, with tours throughout Europe, Russia, China and the United States of America.