When did you join the ESO?

I have been Principal Bassoon at the ESO since 2016, having originally joined in 2010 as 2nd Bassoon.

Tell us about how you became a professional musician

From the age of about 3 I wanted to be a musician and play in an orchestra, originally as a violinist! I loved playing recorder from a young age in school music lessons, and was soon enjoying playing in all the recorder ensembles as well as competing in local festivals. I joined the school choir, started piano and violin lessons and was heavily involved in anything musical. I joined the local youth orchestra and saw a bassoon for the first time, I loved the sound it made and the role it played in the orchestra. I asked my mum if I could have lessons and I’ve never looked back! I studied at Royal College of Music Junior Department throughout my secondary school years, RCM Senior Department for my undergrad, and then went onto Guildhall School of Music and Drama for my Masters in Performance.

Any hobbies? 

When not playing the bassoon I love being in the mountains – walking, trail running, climbing, skiing and ski touring. I have recently returned from a ski touring trip to Japan, and have completed 2 expeditions to the Himalayas climbing Mera Peak (6,500m), Island Peak (6,200m) and trekking to Everest Base Camp (5,400m). This summer I have stayed more local to where I live in West London (where there are sadly no mountains!) and enjoyed Open Water Swimming at Shepperton and cycling around Richmond Park.

Favourite piece(s) of music?

My favourite piece to play and to listen to is Mozart – Requiem.