I’m a part-time non-pro musician doing both paid and unpaid gigs.
Performance
I currently play principal flute with the Whitehall Orchestra and 2nd flute/ piccolo with the Philharmonia Britannica. I am also a founder member, organiser, and principal flute of the Amici Orchestra, which puts on regular ‘scratch’ concerts – i.e. one day’s rehearsal – to raise money for medical charities (Cancer Research UK, Heart Foundation, Macmillan, etc.).
Other groups I’ve played with are the North London Symphony Orchestra, the Brent Symphony Orchestra, the London Gay Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Orchestral Society, the City of London Symphonic Winds, the Salomon Orchestra and the Sinfonia da Chiesa. As a student, I was a member of the Royal Holloway (University of London) Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, the University of East Anglia Symphony Orchestra, and the Norwich Philharmonic.
I’ve played operas and musicals with Fulham Opera, Midsummer Opera, Shoestring Opera, the Edinburgh Players Opera Group, the Imperial College Operatic Society, the King’s College Operatic Society, the University of London Opera Group, Imperial Productions, newLOG, SEDOS and the Tower Theatre Company.
I like playing chamber music when I get the chance, and have a flute quartet which is available to hire for functions and special occasions!
Study
I read Music at Royal Holloway, University of London. My degree included a performance component (flute/piccolo), specialising in early to mid 20th century repertoire, studying with Simon Desorgher. I also helped found the college’s Contemporary Music Group, and worked with electroacoustic and experimental composers (including once premiering a piece for piccolo and vacuum cleaner).
Recordings
- Peter Fender Flute or piccolo on all orchestral works on the album Speechless
- Blanc Canvas Flute on ‘Positivity’ from the album Blanc Canvas
- Master Pi Flute + piccolo on ‘In a Moment’ from the album Master Pi
- Kat Vipers Flute + piccolo on ‘Just Like Jerry Lee’ from the album Hot Air Balloon
- David Freeman Penny whistle on ‘Part Time Father’ from the album Going Out Without Makeup and ‘Good People’ (single)
- David Lyon Penny whistle on ‘Birds Fly, Fish Swim’ (single)
[Please note that for some studio recordings I have been asked to adopt various different timbres and styles of playing, so they should not be taken as representative of my usual orchestral sound.]
Further info
I love playing alto and bass flute, but unfortunately do not yet have my own instruments, so borrow or hire them when required. I have also been known to play saxophone, piano/keyboards, penny whistle, recorders, and sing (alto), although I have not studied these to the same level as flute.
I have some experience composing and arranging music, taking sectional rehearsals and as an assistant conductor for orchestras, choruses and chamber groups.
