We're saying a big, warm welcome to the newest member of the orchestra, as well as asking one of our recently joined members how settling into the orchestra has been going so far...

Iryna Glyebova, Tutti First Violin

Born in Odesa, Ukraine, Iryna began playing the violin at the age of seven, inspired by her older cousins. She later moved to Northern Ireland, where she continued her musical training, before settling in London to pursue undergraduate studies at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and subsequently completing a Master’s degree at the Royal College of Music.

After graduating, Iryna was awarded a place on the Southbank Sinfonia Fellowship. Since completing the programme, she has developed a busy and varied freelance career, performing across the UK and internationally, working with ensembles including BBC Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Ulster Orchestra, and appearing at venues such as the Royal Opera House and Wigmore Hall.

As a session musician, Iryna has recorded for a number of film scores, including the six-time Oscar-winning One Battle After Another, Wuthering Heights, several Marvel films, Saltburn, among others. She has also performed in sold-out arenas and toured internationally with artists including DJ Pete Tong, Clean Bandit and Bring Me the Horizon.

Outside of music, Iryna enjoys speciality coffee and keeping active with barre fitness.

Her first concert with the CBSO will be Puccini in Rome on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Hyun Jung Song: Settling in to the orchestra so far

Hyun Jung has been part of the CBSO family for nearly six months now, so we asked her a few questions about her time in the orchestra so far and how she has been settling in.

How has it been settling into the orchestra?

I’ve settled in really well, and I’ve started to really enjoy learning new repertoire every week.

Has anything surprised you since joining, perhaps about the orchestra or as a musician yourself?

I’ve been surprised by how quickly the orchestra need to read music in such a short amount of time. I still don’t know how everyone manages to read the score so fast!

What have been your highlights from playing in the orchestra so far?

There have been so many special moments, but the biggest highlight so far has been Mahler's First Symphony. It was the first performance that really gave me confidence in my position.

What have you got coming up with the orchestra that you are most excited for?

I’m really excited for the upcoming Brahms' German Requiem on Thursday 23 April 2026. It’s a piece I truly love.

If you could swap seats with anyone in the orchestra, who would it be and why?

I think it would be really cool to swap with Matt Hardy, Section Leader Timpani and experience what it’s like to help control the orchestra from the back.

What advice would you give to someone new joining the orchestra?

Whatever kind of music you want to make, you’ll find a supportive and welcoming community at CBSO. So enjoy it!