Justine Watts studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London and won many prizes including The Principal’s Prize, The Beare Prize, the Manson Prize and was one of only two in her year to receive Distinction for the Recital Diploma.
She was chosen to perform the Elgar Concerto with the RAM Symphony Orchestra & led the YMSO and the NYOS. She then won a Countess of Munster scholarship for study abroad and attended Rice University, USA where she gained a Masters’ Degree in Music, studying with renowned violinist Sergiu Luca, becoming his Assistant in the final year. At this time she won the Concerto competition and became Leader of the Texas Chamber Orchestra, also freelancing with Houston Symphony Orchestra, Houston grand Opera and Houston Ballet.
On returning to Britain, Justine joined the RSNO where she became Co-Leader for ten years. She is now the Leader of the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Justine has been a guest with the City of Birmingham Symphony, the Hallé, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, the Scottish Ensemble and guest Leader of the Ulster Orchestra & Scottish Opera.
During her time with Scottish Ballet, Justine has performed many solos including a Mozart Concerto arranged with dance, and recently ‘Dextera’ which included the Mozart A major concerto and solos from Queen of the night. Her life highlight was realised recently when the Ballet performed Swan Lake including its solos for the White Swan. Justine is also a regular coach for the National Youth Orchestras of Scotland.
