Toby Cruse...

Toby has worked on over 200 theatrical productions, both as Musical Director/Supervisor, orchestral musician and/or vocal coach, and is recognised internationally as an authority on musical theatre. Projects include most of the major West End and touring productions and regional productions in the home counties. As a session musician, he has worked with major pop artists such as Kylie Minogue, Dina Carroll and The Real Thing as well as with numerous pop bands, jazz ensembles and Big Bands including his own Manhattan, Manhattan Jazz and Manhattan Swing. Recent studio work includes a revival session with the BBC Radio Orchestra and a recording of excerpts from the musical "Cabaret". As a pianist, he has performed extensively, winning competitions for his interpretation of Chopin and Rachmaninov. He has also performed several piano concertos, including the famous "Rach 2", and works throughout the UK as an accompanist/repetiteur. Highlights include accompanying artists such as Michael Ball and Issy Van Randwyck. He also works as an audition and rehearsal MD/pianist for a number of production companies and agents. He is an active jazz pianist and regularly appears at top London jazz venues and hotels. He has performed for royalty at Windsor Castle on several occasions and has also made recent appearances with the Piccadilly Dance Orchestra, the Steve King Orchestra and the Mark Tait Band. In 1999, he formed the Thames Valley Sinfonia and Thames Valley Sinfonia Chorus and has since been invited to conduct a variety of other ensembles. He is frequently asked to coach bands, choirs and, as a voice teacher, soloists (many from West End musicals) and also finds time to teach at a number of schools and colleges in addition to running workshops for various theatrical institutions. He studied at Trinity College of Music, London, although has worked with tutors from other major music colleges across the UK. Alongside his demanding performance and teaching schedule, he works as an agent/fixer and runs a thriving production and artist management company.