Principal Timpani Paul Philbert
When did you join the RSNO?
I joined the RSNO in April 2018.
Where are you from?
I was born in London, my parents are from Grenada in the Caribbean.
Where did you study?
I studied at the Purcell School of Music, and then at Trinity College of Music in London.
What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
EVERYTHING! It’s a wonderful place to work! Lovely people, lots of FAB music, in an orchestra that’s on FIRE! 🙂
Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
The cheer that I received on my first day as a member. I still wish that I’d videoed it; it was thoroughly overwhelming, a truly wonderful way for me to be welcomed into this very special group of musicians.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
Watching movies, Gaming, Cycling & Swimming.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am qualified as a “Master Scuba Diver” (as qualified as one can be without being a professional diver).
If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
Richard Hickox (RIP). He was very influential in my musical development, I miss him terribly, and would love to see him again, to thank him for some of my most precious musical memories.
You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?
It’s impossible for me to limit myself to just 3 CD’s, but Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelung, Mahler’s 2nd Symphony, and Richard Strauss’ Alpine Symphony are some of my favourite pieces of music! I’d love to get around to reading Homer’s Iliad & Odyssey properly (I studied them at school).
