Our Orchestra
Crashing onto the music scene is Bristol's newest orchestra, the Avon Concordia. Formed of young adults and friends, we aim to present a near-professional experience at our concerts, featuring a dynamic mix of repertoire across the spectrum, presenting beloved classics alongside new works and forgotten gems. We look forward to welcoming you at our next concert!
Caleb Kernaghan
Conductor
Caleb Kernaghan is currently undertaking his PhD in music composition at the University of Bristol, supervised by Professor John Pickard. He has been conducting frequently since the pandemic, working with orchestras, contemporary ensembles, and community projects both in the University and around the Bristol area. He founded the Avon Concordia in November 2024 and is thrilled to be working with such a great collective of musicians. As a composer of chamber and orchestral music, he has worked with the Bristol Ensemble, University Symphony Orchestra, Brunel Sinfonia, Bristol Youth Orchestra and Bristol Classical Players.
Navjeet Khakh
Leader
Navjeet has played in numerous orchestras and chamber groups during his time at Bristol University and completed his integrated masters in Mathematics in 2024. He currently plays with Avon Concordia and Bristol Classical Players, and is extremely grateful for the wonderful opportunities in Bristol to connect with talented musicians, build community, and share a love for classical music. Other than his dedication to music, he is a passionate barista at local cafe Flour House and spends his free time climbing and triathlon training!
Featured Artists
Sophie Stockham
Saxophone
Well known and much-loved Bristol-based saxophonist, composer and arranger Sophie Stockham Brown, has performed extensively across the UK and Europe with her critically lauded projects Dakhla Brass, Sefrial, Orfic, Starlings and the Cut Capers, including at the Royal Albert Hall and Montreal Jazz festival, and she has worked with five times Grammy award winning producer Jerry Boys. Sophie has had regular national radio play (BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 6 – including, Jamie Cullum, Huey Morgan and Stuart Maconie). In 2019 Sophie arranged for the Bristol Symphony Orchestra which led to the release of her own album ‘Ria’ for saxophone and string quintet.
Ryan Power
Composer
Ryan Power is a BA Music Student at the University of Bristol, specialising in composition and musicology. Ryan’s personal interests include Early 20th Century Opera and Contemporary Music, demonstrated on his score YouTube Channel, which has amassed over 2.6 million views and been used in educational institutions worldwide. Besides this, he is also a keen conductor, having directed Bath University String Orchestra for 2 years, and will be conducting Bristol University String Orchestra this coming year. Ryan has extensive performance experience in groups like the London Schools Symphony Orchestra and Odyssey Festival Orchestra, in venues such as the Barbican and the Wilderness Festival, as well as leading Bristol Classical Players and Bristol Symphony Orchestra. Current projects include an expansion of Sali and Vrenchen into a full ballet, a Celeste Concerto and an opera based on J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'.
Liam O'Connell (Leeem)
Composer
Leeem (Liam O’Connell) is a composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist. With 12 years’ experience as a freelance composer and musician, he fronted experimental rock trio My Octopus Mind, releasing three studio albums and touring across Europe. O’Connell recently graduated with distinction from the MA in Composing Music for Film and TV at the University of Bristol. Since turning to orchestral composition, his work has been premiered by Bristol Classical Players and Avon Concordia, with chamber performances by Bristol Ensemble, Middle Aisle Ensemble, Troyka Mala, the Pernambuco String Quartet and his own Leeem Quartet. He is quickly building a reputation for his original take on classical music, winning the JH Britton Prize for Composition in 2024 and being described by Bristol 24/7 as: “Evoking the spirit of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring, rendered not through cliché but through a sophisticated musical language.” His film credits include Knot (currently on Disney+), Surviving Earth (in cinemas April 12), and In Solitude, nominated in the Drama category at the RTS West of England Student Awards. He also has two orchestral premieres and a theatre show scheduled for 2026.
Rhia Thomas
Violin
Rhia Thomas is a second-year student at the University of Bristol, reading Economics and Finance. As a violinist, she has considerable experience as a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player. She started playing the violin at the age of 4 and piano shortly after. Rhia is a Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music and a student of inspirational teacher Lucy Ellen Spencer. She has also been a regular competitor and prize winner at Woking and Godalming Music Festivals. As a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, the National Youth String Orchestra, and the Chineke! Junior Orchestra, she has performed at prestigious venues across the United Kingdom, including the Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms. In addition to music, Rhia trains in Shotokan Karate in which she holds a blackbelt.