The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the appointment of two new musicians ahead of its upcoming 2026/27 season, welcoming Alex Mitchell as Viola Section Leader and Filipe Dandalo as a new Double Bass player.
Both musicians will join the orchestra ahead of the new season beginning in September, bringing their experience, talent and passion to one of the UK’s longest-established orchestras.
The appointments are part of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s continued commitment to developing its world-class ensemble and delivering exceptional performances for audiences in Liverpool and beyond.
New musicians join Liverpool Philharmonic family
Vanessa Reed, Chief Executive of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, welcomed the appointments and said both musicians would bring valuable experience and fresh perspectives to the orchestra.
She said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome Alex and Filipe to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic family.
“Both are exceptional musicians whose artistry, experience and passion will further strengthen our Orchestra as we look ahead to an exciting new season.
“The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is recognised as one of the UK’s leading orchestras, and this season will showcase the talent, energy and ambition that define our musicians.
“I look forward to seeing the fresh perspectives Alex and Filipe bring to audiences in Liverpool and beyond.”
Alex Mitchell returns to Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
For Alex Mitchell, joining the orchestra is a particularly special moment as he returns to an organisation with a personal connection to his family.
Alex said:
“I’m so excited to be returning to the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. The Orchestra has always had a special place in my heart.
“My mum’s side of the family is from Liverpool, and some of my earliest musical memories are of my grandparents taking me to concerts at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall.
“I’m also a huge Beatles fan and a lifelong Liverpool FC supporter, so it feels incredibly special to be joining the Orchestra in a city I already love.”
Alex has performed with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Northern Chamber Orchestra and Manchester Baroque.
He has previously taught at the Royal Northern College of Music and regularly appears with ensembles including Manchester Collective and the Jess Gillam Ensemble.
A graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music, Alex studied with leading viola teachers and won the College’s Concerto Competition and the Paganini Prize on viola. He also performed with the Zelkova String Quartet.
His international achievements include winning fifth prize at the Tokyo International Viola Competition and third prize at the Beethoven International Viola Competition in Hradec.
Away from music, Alex is also a keen gardener with a passion for growing fruit trees and perennial vegetables, with ambitions to one day establish his own tree nursery.
Filipe Dandalo joins double bass section
Filipe Dandalo will join the orchestra’s double bass section after building an impressive career across the UK and Europe.
Speaking about his appointment, Filipe said:
“I’m thrilled and honoured to be joining the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s double bass section.
“It’s a privilege to become part of an orchestra that has inspired me since I first came to the UK to study.
“I’m excited to perform alongside such outstanding musicians and to join an organisation that is deeply valued by its community and has made such an important contribution to Liverpool’s rich cultural life.”
Filipe began playing the double bass at the age of 13 in Osasco, Brazil, through a social programme providing free string tuition to children in the local community.
He later studied at the Royal Northern College of Music with Jiří Hudec as an ABRSM Scholar before continuing his studies in Germany and Switzerland, completing master’s degrees at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg and Hochschule Luzern.
During his career, Filipe has performed with leading orchestras across the UK and Europe, including the Hallé Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Lucerne Symphony Orchestra, Bodensee Philharmonie, Theater Orchester Biel Solothurn, Academy of St Martin in the Fields and 12 Ensemble.
In 2024, he performed as a soloist with the Lucerne Symphony Orchestra at KKL Luzern.
Most recently, Filipe was a member of Sinfonia Smith Square, formerly Southbank Sinfonia, and has appeared as a trial player with Opera North and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra prepares for new season
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2026/27 season will begin on 4 September with a return to the BBC Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
Principal Guest Conductor Andrew Manze will lead a celebration of English music, featuring works by Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten alongside the world premiere of a new commission by North West composer Carmel Smickersgill.
Smickersgill was the winner of Liverpool Philharmonic’s Rushworth Composition Prize in 2018.
The new season will continue the orchestra’s long tradition of bringing world-class performances to audiences in Liverpool, the wider region and beyond.
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