Associate Principal Percussion John Poulter
When did you join the RSNO?
I joined the RSNO in June 2005.
Where are you from?
Leamington Spa.
Where did you study?
I studied at the Richmond School, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly RSAMD).
What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
I love playing percussion in the Orchestra. The variety of instruments we get to play along with the different sounds we add to the Orchestra makes the job very interesting.
Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
On tour in Austria, Walter Weller invited the whole Orchestra to dinner and we had a great evening – though the local wine made sure the following morning wasn’t much fun! My greatest memory was playing brass bells at the the end of ‘Mahler 2’ in the Festival, half way up the choir stalls with the Orchestra, Choir and Organ at full pelt. It was an unforgettable moment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
When I’m not playing with the Orchestra, I spend free time in the garden and hill walking, and cycling when the weeds are at bay.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I enjoy cooking – I’m not sure how talented I am at it, though!
If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
I would have dinner with George Mallory. I would know if he did get to the top of Mount Everest, and if so, how.
You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?
Oscar Peterson – Gershwin Songbook Trio. I love the Oscar Peterson Trio and choosing one album is hard, but their subtle musicianship adds a quality to Gershwin’s already wonderful songs. Nitin Sawhney – Beyond Skin. I could listen to this album over and over and not get bored – also with lots of time on my hands I could work out how they did ‘The Conference’. Strauss – Alpine Symphony.
