Corrina Silvester – Renowned Percussionist and Drummer
Corrina Silvester is a celebrated percussionist, admired for her versatility, creativity, and boundless enthusiasm.
With over 20 years of diverse experience across theatre, film, television, and live performance, she has established herself as a talented musician and an inspiring collaborator. Corrina’s passion for music, combined with her ability to inspire colleagues and students alike, creates an atmosphere of shared creativity, and joy in every setting.
West End Theatre Excellence
Corrina’s distinguished theatre career is marked by principal percussionist roles in iconic West End productions. She is currently performing in TINA: The Tina Turner Musical and has previously worked on critically acclaimed shows such as:
- 42nd Street
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Sister Act
- Spamalot (Monty Python)
- The Producers (Mel Brooks)
- Anything Goes
- The Full Monty
- The Beautiful Game (Ben Elton/Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Her expertise extends beyond the West End, contributing to productions at the National Theatre (Cyrano de Bergerac, Luther, and The Villains Opera), the Royal Shakespeare Company (Twelfth Night), and Shakespeare’s Globe (King Lear and Much Ado About Nothing).
Film, Television and Radio Recordings
Corrina has brought her musical talents to legendary recording sessions at Abbey Road and Air Lyndhurst studios. Her work features in an array of blockbuster films, including:
- The Marvels
- Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning (Bongo percussion section session)
- Barbie
- Spy Kids
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
- Les Misérables (2012)
- Isle of Dogs
- How to Train Your Dragon 2
- Breaking Dawn: Part 2 (Twilight Saga)
On television screen, her credits include Andor (Star Wars TV series) and also with a live orchestra, performing with Ariana Grande on Ariana Grande Live at the BBC.
Along with a selection of the cast members and musicians, live on BBC Radio 2, Corrina played percussion with TINA: The Tina Turner Musical, on Zoe Ball’s Breakfast Show.
Live Performances and Collaborations
Corrina’s live performances demonstrate her extraordinary versatility. Highlights include:
- Performing with the English National Ballet and contemporary dance company Rambert
- Playing in Hans Zimmer Revealed live orchestral performances
- Participating in the opening premiere event The Rings of Power Season 1 at the British Museum (Amazon Prime)
Other standout performances include:
- Playing with Monty Python for their Live at the O2 reunion.
- Appearing with the orchestra for Untouchable, Hofesh Shechter and on stage in Carmen at the Royal Opera House.
- Performing in the orchestra for The Thief of Baghdad at the Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House.
Corrina is also a proud member of Mike Lovatt’s Brass Pack Ensemble, performing with some of the most respected musicians in the genre.
A Life of Exploration and Expression
Corrina’s adventurous spirit has taken her to unique and inspiring settings, including performing improvised percussion in Tibet with actor Joseph Fiennes. Her dedication to music as a universal language continues to inspire audiences and collaborators worldwide.
Jazz Ensembles
Corrina is a key member of Yazz Ahmed’s Family Hafla Band, performing at prestigious events like:
- Berlin Jazz Festival
- Blue Note Jazz Festival (Paris)
- Pori Jazz Festival (Finland
- Love Supreme Festival, UK
- Venues across the UK, US, Canada, and Bahrain
She has also worked on projects with Mo Foster and Friends and Jacqui Hicks, further showcasing her adaptability in the jazz and contemporary music scene.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As an educator, Corrina is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians. She has taught at institutions such as:
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- The Royal Academy of Music
Corrina is on the teaching faculty at The London Performing Academy of Music.
Her teaching philosophy centres on encouraging creativity, fostering independence, and instilling a lifelong love of music.
Notable Recordings and Achievements
Corrina has contributed to award-winning albums, including:
- Finding My Way Home, La Saboteuse, and Polyhymnia by Yazz Ahmed
- Yazz Ahmed’s latest release, A Paradise in the Hold
- Music on the Bones with Mo Foster, recorded at Abbey Road
She has also recorded theatre cast albums for TINA, the Tina Turner Musical, 42nd Street, Sister Act, Anything Goes, and Charlie & the Chocolate Factory.
A career highlight remains her work on the London 2012 Olympics where she was one of the Drum Captains for the Opening Ceremony, playing a performance of Pandemonium (Directed by Danny Boyle) with Evelyn Glennie and a 1000 drummers at the Olympic Stadium, televised worldwide. She contributed to the official games soundtrack ‘Isles of Wonder’ recording percussion on tracks And I Will Kiss and Caliban’s Dream both composed by Rick Smith of electronic group Underworld.
Corrina Silvester continues to elevate every project she undertakes, leaving a lasting impression through her artistry, professionalism, and passion for music.
Visit the ‘Live’ section to explore a selection of photos and listen to recordings of Corrina’s performances.