Born: Bedford

Studied: I studied at Guildhall school of Music and Drama.

Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I spent five years as Co-Principal Horn at Opera North.

Joined: 2013

Favourite piece of music: Difficult question as I listen to, and enjoy a lot of different genres, but I’d probably say something choral. I was a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral, so I spent a huge amount of time in the magnificent building listening to and singing in wonderful choral works.

First album: Dennis Brain: Mozart Horn Concertos and The Beach Boys Greatest Hits.

Why the horn? The sound was rich and mellow, and I loved the fact it was a little different!

What do you love about playing the horn: More often than not we have individual lines in the music which can act as part of the texture or can soar over the orchestra. There’s nothing more heroic than a horn section at full tilt.

Favourite ballet to play: Cinderella or Romeo and Juliet as the music and writing are wonderful, and Prokofiev scores so well for a full orchestra.

Alternative career: Something outdoors with nature as I love the fresh air and spending time with our springer spaniel.