William Newell enjoys a wide-ranging career centred around chamber music, working both as a performer and arranger.

As second violin of the Solem Quartet since 2017, one of the most innovative ensembles of its generation, Will performs regularly on concert platforms across the UK and internationally including London's Wigmore Hall and Amsterdam's Muziekgebouw, as well as more eclectic venues from cinemas to nightclubs and bars. The Quartet’s work has been recently recognised with awards from Jerwood Arts and The Royal Philharmonic Society; their most recent disc, Painted Light (Delphian Records, 2023) received 5 stars from BBC Music Magazine and was described by Europadisc as "compelling listening for all lovers of the string quartet genre". Their debut disc, The Four Quarters (Orchid Classics, 2021), features several of William’s own arrangements described as ‘expressive and stylish’.  

Will is Principal second violin of Manchester Camerata, hailed by The Times as “Britain’s most adventurous orchestra”. Recent highlights have included recording Vivaldi's Four Seasons with Daniel Pioro, performing alongside Camerata principals as soloist in Tippett's Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli, and recording Mozart Piano Concertos with Jean-Efflam Bavouzet and legendary Artistic Director Gábor Takács-Nagy. Will performs regularly with other leading UK ensembles including Manchester Collective, London Mozart Players, Royal Northern Sinfonia, and 12 ensemble, and has appeared as guest leader with Heritage Orchestra. 

Alongside performing, Will works as an arranger; his arrangements have been featured on both Solem Quartet albums, and have been performed and broadcast by groups worldwide including Manchester Camerata, London Mozart Players, Manchester Collective, and the Jess Gillam Ensemble. As arranger/performer he has collaborated with artist Imran Perretta for his 2024 installation piece A Riot in Three Acts at Somerset House and 2025 film ISH, and has worked with film composer Isabella Summers, including for the 2024 Netflix series Kaos. In 2023/24 the Solem Quartet toured with vocalist Alice Zawadzki performing a set of Kate Bush songs arranged by Will, described as "lush and evocative".

Demonstrating his dynamic versatility and broad tastes, Will is a member of the Mead Men (a sea shanty group); has played for Nonclassical and at the Vortex Jazz Club; and has performed live and recorded with artists including Abel Selaocoe, Laura Marling, and Deacon Blue among many others. He records regularly for film and TV, including on the scores for Wuthering Heights (2026) and Nosferatu (2024); his solo violin and viola playing was featured on the Channel 4 series Flowers (2016, 2018), and the BBC series Ghosts (2019) and Guilt (2019, 2021). 

Originally from Romford, North East London, William began his musical education with Havering Music School followed by private lessons with Susan Sheppard. He attended the Guildhall School from 2012-2017 where he studied with renowned chamber musicians Krysia Osostowicz and Alexander Janiczek where he won the Sheriff's Prize for Music upon graduating.