ABOUT
Hailing from Scotland, Aurras Duo are a UK based ensemble whose aim is to discover lesser known repertoire for flute and piano, and to highlight works by composers of under-represented groups, particularly minority genders, LGBTQ+ composers and composers from the BAME community. Aurras Duo is comprised of Fiona Sweeney (Flute) and Ben Eames (Piano).
Fiona Sweeney (Flute)
Fiona is originally from Glasgow and began her studies at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she was awarded a scholarship. Fiona then completed her undergraduate degree as a scholarship holder at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and was awarded a 1st class honours degree, the Concert Recital Diploma award and the Principal’s Music Prize in 2020.
Fiona completed her postgraduate degree on the Orchestral Artistry course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in July 2022, also as a scholarship holder, and was the winner of the Woodwind Prize in 2021. Fiona was also a scholarship holder and recital scheme artist for the Hattori Foundation for Music and the Arts. Orchestrally,
Fiona has worked with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and the orchestra of the Royal Opera House. She has also performed with the Scottish Opera Orchestra, the Welsh National Opera Orchestra, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, the Opera North Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and Nevill Holt Opera. Moreover, Fiona was the 2022 seat holder at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular Show. As a soloist, Fiona has recorded Richard Bissill’s Flute and Piano Sonata, for his CD ‘Panoply’, available on Spotify and iTunes, and has performed as a concerto soloist with the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Ben Eames (Piano)
Ben Eames is a Scottish pianist who has performed extensively throughout the UK.
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He grew up, surrounded by creativity at the foot of the Ochil Hills in Clackmannanshire, the 'wee county' and discovered a passion for music and piano after his artist parents were offered an old piano ‘free to a good home’.
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He studied initially at the Ian Tomlin School of Music in Edinburgh Napier University with a 1st class Bachelor of Music with Honours studying under Simon Coverdale. During this time, he won multiple prizes at the Edinburgh Competitions Festival including: Horace Fellowes Medal for Chamber Music (2014); Elizabeth Ritchie Medal for 15 Minute Recital (2013); Christina Pentland Medal for Classical Piano Recital (2012) and the Chopin Medal (2012). Ben completed a Masters of Music in piano performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, London in 2015 studying under Douglas Finch.
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Since graduating Ben has performed both as a soloist and with ensembles across Scotland and in London. While rooted in classical repertoire, Ben's musical explorations extend across a range of styles, collaborating with jazz musicians, choirs, musical theatre groups and dancers.
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In addition to his career as a performer, Ben teaches in schools and music schools across Scotland. He is Associate Piano Teacher at the University of St Andrews.
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Outwith his commitment to performance and teaching, Ben co-creates and co-hosts the award-winning Ear to The Ground podcast, bringing Scotland’s flourishing contemporary classical music scene to a wider audience through engaging and insightful interviews with both established and emerging Scottish composers.
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Despite his life being filled with music, Ben still finds time to visit art galleries; explore the countryside; and listen to fascinating podcasts!
