Russell Irwin was born in London in 1969 and moved to Lancashire at the age of seven. He began bassoon lessons at the age of eleven and has had a long association with the Blackpool Symphony Orchestra, with whom he has played regularly.

He played with the Lancashire Students Symphony Orchestra and spent four years at the Royal College of Music in London studying with Kerry Camden. He also studied voice and appeared most recently in leading roles with Preston Opera.

He teaches locally and appears with various orchestras and chamber groups across Lancashire. He is grateful for this opportunity to play the Mozart Concerto with the orchestra for which he has great affection.