Josh became a member of Paraorchestra in April 2024, joining a trailblazing ensemble that redefines what an orchestra is—and what it can be. Paraorchestra is the world’s only large-scale integrated orchestra of professional disabled and non-disabled musicians, committed to creating boundary-pushing performances that fuse classical and contemporary music with a fresh, inclusive approach. Josh is immensely proud to be part of this pioneering group and to represent an ensemble that is reshaping the landscape of orchestral music through creativity, inclusivity, and innovation.
Since joining, working with the orchestra has already led to unforgettable memories and creatively rich experiences. Highlights so far include serving as Principal Cellist for Paraorchestra’s debut at the 2024 BBC Proms at Bristol Beacon, performing The Virtuous Circle—an exhilarating, genre-defying show celebrating the power of collective joy. The programme brought together Mozart’s iconic Symphony No. 40 with the brilliant contemporary writing of Oliver Vibrans, whose compositions interwove between the symphony’s movements to create a fresh and thrilling reimagination of the classical concert experience.
The Symphony of Sorrowful Songs tour—spanning London, Manchester, and Dublin—was an emotionally raw and profoundly affecting production of Henryk Górecki’s Symphony No. 3. This immersive performance, set in-the-round, combined live music, spoken word, and sound installation to explore themes of motherhood, grief, and resilience. Featuring a powerful collaboration with soprano Victoria Oruwari, the production created an intimate and deeply moving connection between performers and audience. Alongside Górecki’s symphony, Josh also led the cello section in Mahler’s dramatic orchestration of Schubert’s Death and the Maiden—a gripping and intense counterpart to the main work.
Josh’s journey with Paraorchestra has continued to evolve through major international and cross-genre projects. In June 2025 he performed The Anatomy of the Orchestra: Drone Refractions at Het Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, followed by a London revival of The Virtuous Circle later that month. Most recently, he joined Paraorchestra and Charles Hazlewood for a special collaboration with Suede at the Queen Elizabeth Hall — a powerful meeting of orchestral and Britpop worlds.
Paraorchestra Projects & Performances
*performed as principal cello
2025
Suede X Paraorchestra – Queen Elizabeth Hall, London (19 September)*
The Breath & Paraorchestra, BBC Proms – Bristol Beacon (22 August)*
The Virtuous Circle – Queen Elizabeth Hall, London (29 June)*
The Anatomy of the Orchestra: Drone Refractions – Concertgebouw, Amsterdam (13 June)
2024
The Virtuous Circle , BBC Proms – Bristol Beacon*
Symphony of Sorrowful Songs tour (Górecki Symphony No. 3 & Schubert Death and the Maiden) London, Manchester & Dublin*
Trip The Light Fantastic – Queen Elizabeth Hall, London
