William Hunt

William Hunt is a Professor of Violin at the Royal College of Music, specializing in Historical Performance. He is part of the Historical Performance faculty, which focuses on period instrument performance and early music practices.

Professor Hunt's research and performance interests center around historical string instruments, particularly the viol and violone. His expertise spans:

• Historical performance practice of early music
• Viol and violone performance techniques
• English verse anthem performance and history
• Period instrument orchestral performance
• Early music publishing and editorial work
• Residential workshop instruction in historical techniques

Professor Hunt has extensive experience in both performance and education within the early music field. He has directed numerous residential courses and workshops across the UK and Europe, sharing his expertise in historical performance practices with musicians at various skill levels.

As an active performer, Professor Hunt serves as principal violone with the Dunedin Consort and has performed with prestigious period instrument ensembles including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the Taverner Consort. He was a founding member of the viol consort Fretwork and a long-time member of London Baroque, where he developed his particular interest in violones.

Professor Hunt also contributes to scholarly work through Fretwork Editions, which he founded in 1989. As director and general editor, he specializes in publishing viol-related music and researching the history and performance practice of the English verse anthem, making significant contributions to the field's resources and literature.