Meet the Members
Louisa Kataria
Soprano Saxophone
Louisa Kataria is a versatile saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist with a dynamic career across classical, musical theatre, contemporary, and commercial music. A classically trained performer, she regularly gives solo performances and appears as a chamber musician with her multi-instrumental quartet, Versa Winds. Orchestral appearances include with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Pegasus Opera, Tête-á-Tête Opera and National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
In demand as a woodwind ‘trebler’, Louisa debuted in the West End with the London Musical Theatre Orchestra in 2022 and was the chairholder on White Christmas (The Mill at Sonning) from Nov 2024-Jan2025. Other Musical Theatre credits include Hairspray, Anything Goes, Merrily We Roll Along, Sister Act, and Curtains. She was a regular member of the RCM Jazz Orchestra and later lead clarinet for Lewes Big Band, and has had commercial bookings ranging from televised events at OVO Wembley Arena to the red carpet at World Vogue.
A passionate educator, Louisa holds woodwind peripatetic positions at ACS Hillingdon and Orchard House School and has been a tutor for LMTO’s Upbeat programme since 2023. She is also works with the Youth Chorus at Opera Holland Park.
Louisa is a passionate educator and holds Woodwind teaching positions at ACS Hillingdon International School and Orchard House School. She was also the clarinet/flute tutor for LMTO’s outreach programme: Upbeat in 2023 and is excited to rejoin the team for 2024’s programme.
Louisa’s musical training began as a chorister of St Albans’ Cathedral. Later, studied as a Leverhulme Arts Scholar at the Royal College of Music, where she learned saxophone with Martin Robertson, clarinet with Janet Hilton, and jazz flute with Andy Panayi. Louisa graduated from her bachelor’s degree in 2023 with First Class Honours.
Lydia Cochrane
Alto Saxophone
Lydia Cochrane is a saxophonist and multi instrumentalist who recently graduated from the Royal College of Music with first class honours.
She is passionate about jazz, funk, folk, and classical music and how these disciplines can intertwine to create new sounds and spaces to explore - she is eternally inspired by her frequent playing with a ceilidh band and takes this into her other groups, exploring the fusion of trad folk with rhythmic music.
A few recent highlights include playing at Cadogan Hall with Lisa Simone, with her quartet at the Pride of Britain Awards, Ronnie Scott's, the Royal Albert Hall, Wigmore Hall, the Barbican, the Southbank Centre, the Natural History Museum, La Sagrada Familia, Latitude festival, and has toured with Nikki Yeoh, Tommy Blaize, Steamdown, and played at the Young Euro Classics festival in Berlin with NYJO. She recently played in Yolanda Brown’s band at the Kings Cross Sounds Festival.
Lydia especially values the chance to share music in many different settings, from concert halls to classrooms, aiming to connect with people through sound and story.
Alexandros Dani
Tenor Saxophone
In addition to his work in theatre, Alex has a strong passion for jazz. He has had the privilege of performing with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) on their Ray Charles Tour with leading vocalist Tommy Blaize. Alex has played at some of the UK’s most esteemed venues including the Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, St John Smith Square, Usher Hall, Norwich Playhouse, and The Poole Lighthouse, and has collaborated with prominent band leaders such as Mark Armstrong, Pete Long, Chris Dean, and Winston Rollins, as well as playing alongside world-renowned drummers Benny Greb and Jojo Mayer.
Alex also enjoys session recording work, lending his skillset to a range of projects across different genres. Most notably, he recorded on Mina Samy’s track “Agent J” at the iconic Abbey Road Studios whilst at RCM.
Beyond performance and recording, Alex is a dedicated and passionate teacher with multiple years of experience teaching saxophone, clarinet, and flute. Alex has taught students of all ages and has successfully guided students of all abilities from complete beginners to diploma level through their musical development, preparing many for graded exams with outstanding results.
Alexandros Dani is a multi instrumental woodwind player celebrated for his versatility and skill across the saxophones, clarinets, and flutes.
Alex is a graduate of the Royal College of Music with First Class Honours, and a recipient of the Winifred Law Scholarship. During his time at RCM, Alex studied saxophone and clarinet under the tutelage of Martin Robertson and flute and jazz under Andy Panayi, also receiving ensemble coaching from Kyle Horch. Alex also played in masterclasses with Amy Dickson and Gerard McChrystal during his time at RCM.
Alex has a deep passion for musical theatre. His participation in the London Musical Theatre Orchestra's Development Scheme provided him with invaluable experience, allowing him to learn from and perform alongside leading players and musical directors from London's vibrant West End scene. Most recently Alex has played on Something Rotten! In Concert at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane and The Royal Shakespeare Company's production of "Pericles" in Stratford-upon-Avon. Other musical theatre highlights include Anything Goes, Chess, In the Heights, Legally blonde and Sweet Charity.
Ethan Townsend
Baritone Saxophone
Ethan is a London-based saxophonist and reed player whose versatility has seen him perform on some of the UK's most prestigious stages.
He has appeared multiple times with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Ballet, performed at Ronnie Scott's alongside Orphy Robinson, and played at renowned venues such as Pizza Express Live Soho and Crazy Coqs. He has also performed with prominent ensembles like the Syd Lawrence Jazz Orchestra and the National Youth Jazz Orchestra. Artists he has worked alongside include Dave Holland, Norma Winstone, Evan Parker, Trish Clowes, Tim Garland, Rob Luft, Tori Freestone, Clare Teal, Chris Dean, Pete Long, Winston Rollins, Benny Greb, Jojo Mayer and Virgil Donati.
In the classical world, Ethan has also performed with the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and is a member of Versa Winds, a recently formed tripling quartet that strives for versatility. He is also a founding member of the award-winning Astral Saxophone Quartet, who reached the semi-finals of the Royal Overseas League and won the Royal College of Music Woodwind Chamber Competition, earning a residency at Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall.
Ethan has a strong passion for pit work and has performed in a variety of productions that demand proficiency on saxophone, flute, and clarinet. His experience includes playing in shows such as Sweeney Todd, Chicago, Billy Elliot, Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, 9 to 5, and Grease.
Ethan is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Jazz Saxophone at the Royal Academy of Music, where he was awarded an entrance scholarship. He is also a graduate of the Royal College of Music, where he received a first-class degree. Additionally, he is a Neville Wathen Scholar, a Henry Wood Trust Award recipient, and has been granted a Help Musicians Postgraduate Award for the 2024/25 academic year to support his studies. With a real drive to have a broad career in jazz and classical music, Ethan is quickly establishing himself as an artist who captivates audiences, leaving a lasting impression wherever he plays.