After completing her studies at the Guildhall School of Music with distinction in 1987, and having won all the main cello prizes and the chamber music award, Elaine has played numerous solo and chamber music recitals, toured internationally and recorded extensively with many of the UK’s top orchestras. She played regularly with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, performing in many international concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, The Festival Hall, The Musikverein and Concertgebouw.

She has worked as guest principal with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, played with the English Chamber Orchestra, Philharmonia, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Welsh National Opera, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

For many years Elaine was first cellist with The Royal Shakespeare Company appearing in Stratford upon Avon and New York. Amongst many of the shows were the highly acclaimed “Macbeth” and the award-winning musical “Matilda”. She was invited to play to the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh for the opening of the new theatre in Stratford upon Avon.

For over 20 years, Elaine was principal cellist with Longborough Festival Opera and was one of the founding members.

Elaine was invited to perform with the award-winning Birmingham Contemporary Music Group (BCMG) over 30 years ago and was subsequently asked to become the cellist of their String Quartet in Residence. She has performed with the group both as a member of the larger ensemble and as a soloist. Past highlights have included the Salzburg Festival with Sir Simon Rattle, BBC Proms, Aldeburgh Festival, residency at the Wigmore Hall and Milton Court and regular concerts at their Birmingham home, the CBSO Centre.

Elaine frequently performs recitals for two cellos with her husband, the cellist Ulrich Heinen.