Our Musicians About Us

When did you join the RSNO?
September 2024

Where are you from?
Aberdeen, Scotland

Where did you study?
I studied at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and then at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London.

What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
No two days are ever the same, there is always a fresh challenge just around the corner.

Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
I particularly enjoyed joining the RSNO for its weeklong residency in Salzburg. It’s a beautiful city with a rich history, stunning scenery, and fantastic beer halls. I hope to return many times in the future!

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
I love rock climbing, specifically bouldering, which is done without a rope (at safe heights!). If I’m not halfway up a wall, I’m likely to be playing chess, which I discovered a love for a couple of years ago.

Do you have any hidden talents?
The amount of talent is debatable, but I do like to play guitar and sing.

If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
It would have to be David Bowie. I’m a massive fan and I’m sure he would have countless stories to tell.

You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?

I’ll limit myself to one Bowie album, which is tough, but I’ll go with ‘Low’.

‘Clutching at Straws’ by Marillion, I take after my dad in being a huge fan.

For something a bit different, ‘Promises’ by Floating Points, Pharoah Sanders, and the London Symphony Orchestra: a fusion of Electronic, Jazz, and Classical which completely blows me away every time I listen.

The book would be a collection of ‘Oor Wullie’ and ‘The Broons’ comic strips. Written in Scots dialect, I used to get one every Christmas and they are always a nice reminder of family and home.