After demonstrating exceptional musical ability as a child, Nicolas Priestley received a classical musical education. He was awarded a scholarship to study the cello at the Royal Manchester College of Music with Raphael Sommer, graduating with distinction as solo performer. He also holds the degrees of Associate of the Royal College of Music and Graduate of the Royal Northern College of Music. Whilst still a teenager, Nicolas gave performances of the Elgar Cello Concerto and after performing Don Quixote by Richard Strauss, was invited by the legendary French cellist Pierre Fournier, to join his virtuoso cello class in Geneva.
After graduation, Nicolas became a well known solo performer giving concerts throughout Britain, Europe and the Far East. Notably, Nicolas rediscovered some of the early cello works of Delius, until then much neglected, and performed these works in London with Eric Fenby who had been the amanuensis of Delius at the time of their composition. Nicolas has performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the London Symphony Orchestra and in a range of chamber ensembles. He appeared as principal cellist in the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, performing solos by Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky where he appeared with Dame Margot Fonteyn and Sir Frederick Ashton. He has performed with many great artists, including the conductors Carlo Maria Guilini, Lorin Maazel, Ricardo Muti and Vladimir Ashkenazy.
“I shared the platform during many years of concerts with Nicolas as principal cellist. He was a dedicated, courageous and deep thinking artist; a consummate professional with the highest of standards for himself and others.” – Malcolm Stewart, Premier violon solo supersoliste, Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse.
Nicolas has always been a passionate admirer of the music of Elgar and has a specialist knowledge of the composer’ life and works. He is cited in the standard academic text on the composers life,“Elgar: A Creative Life” by Jerrold Northrop Moore.
“My long friendship with Nick is founded on a shared love of Elgar’s music. It goes back and comes forward over 20 years now and it is has enriched both our lives….his passionate insights much enriched the inspiration of his old and grateful friend.” – Jerrold Northrop Moore.
After 12 years as Principal Cellist of a major symphony orchestra, performing as a soloist and more than 25 years of travelling and performing, Nicolas returned to University to begin his academic and clinical training in psychology. Nicolas lives in France and has been awarded full French Nationality. He is the proprietor of the Chateau de Jouhé, a 13th century castle which is designated a ‘Monument Historique de France’. Nicolas continues to perform, giving solo, chamber and orchestral concerts when his work as a Consultant Neuropsychologist allows him time to do so.
‘Dr Priestley is a pleasure to work with not least because he understands the reality of living with a brain injury. He has a rare combination of a sharp academic and clinical mind, excellent preparation skills and a compelling and empathetic manner with his clients’.
Jackie Parker, Brain Injury Case Manager and Director of J S Parker Ltd.
‘I consider Dr Priestley to be an extremely able and knowledgeable Neuropsychologist. His reports are meticulously prepared. He is always clear in terms of his recommendations and the reasons for these, always giving consideration to the appropriate legal principles involved. Dr Priestley maintains very good relationships with those instructing him and the other relevant experts both within his field and other specialisms associated with brain injury. He is always focused on the relevant issues, and produces his reports within the appropriate timescale.
With experts instructed for the opposite side, Dr Priestley’s approach is always well-reasoned. He has a very clear view even where there may be fundamental differences between experts of the same specialism. Dr Priestley’s understanding of current PI law and procedure is comprehensive which assists me as a lawyer when instructing him, and his overriding duty to the Court is unquestionable.
He is simply a leader within his field. His insight and consideration of clients who have been through and survived such life-altering injuries is a huge credit to himself and his profession.’
Rachael Aram, Personal Injury Lawyer.
‘Dr Priestley is one of the leading neuropsychologists practicing in the medico legal area in the UK today. His approaches to evidence gathering, reasoning and decision making exemplify good practice in this often complex arena. His work has helped to set the barr over many years for neuropsychologists wishing to help inform the Court on neuropsychological matters. His professionalism means that he is a highly sought after expert, clinician and professional mentor. Only a select group of other practitioners could claim similar experience and expertise. His reports are of the highest standard, robustly supported by rigorous evidence collection and sound reasoning.’
Dr David Manchester, Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist
‘His opinions have invariably been arrived at after meticulous consideration of all the available evidence and a thorough and fair assessment of the individual Claimant. Without trespassing into other areas of expertise, he provides a helpful and practical approach when discussing matters with experts from other disciplines when considering the day-to-day consequences of injury on a particular Claimant. I always feel confident that Dr Priestley will be able to explain his opinions cogently, clearly and persuasively, even under the most challenging questioning in Court.’
Jane McNeill QC.
‘Dr Priestley is a pleasure to work with not least because he understands the reality of living with a brain injury. He has a rare combination of a sharp academic and clinical mind, excellent preparation skills and a compelling and empathetic manner with his clients’.
Jackie Parker, Brain Injury Case Manager and Director of J S Parker Ltd.
‘Dr Nicolas Priestley has been my professional colleague for over 20 years. We share an interest in those who have suffered traumatic brain injury. As a neuropsychologist, Dr Priestley has accumulated a wealth of understanding and experience of the long-term effects of head injury, encompassing the entire spectrum from the subtle to the most severe. He has a fine ability for interpreting cognitive test results in terms of their impact on the day-to-day life of the patient. I have always had confidence in his judgemental skills and opinions and I frequently recommend him to instructing solicitors especially for the more complex or challenging cases.’
Mr David J Price, Consultant Neurosurgeon
“Dr. Priestley’s reports are clear, concise and authoritative. He is a commanding presence in Court: able to explain and defend his position persuasively. An expert of choice.”
Adam Weitzman, Barrister
