Born: Manchester

Studied: I trained at Cambridge University then at the Royal College of Music with a focus on orchestral playing.

Joined: 2024

Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I have worked in UK orchestras and internationally, from South America to Scandinavia. Prior to joining the Sinfonia in 2024, I was solo flute of the Bergen Philharmonic in Norway for a decade.

Career outside of BRB: I describe myself as a flautist and educator these days. When I’m not at BRB or freelancing elsewhere, I’m a lecturer at the Royal Academy of Music on the Artist Development Programme, which helps students prepare for sustainable and fulfilling careers.

First ballet or concert you saw: I accidentally familiarised myself with bits of the famous ballet repertoire through Disney's Fantasia even before I could go to concerts, but my first ballet was The Nutcracker (of course!). I studied ballet as a child and was fascinated by the relationship between the choreography and the music but was always going to performances of both dance and music.

First album: The first one I bought was Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, but my favourite prior to that was Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms.

Most challenging piece to play: Boulez’s Sonatine and Ligeti’s Chamber Concerto. Both are utterly incredible in their different ways, but they are guaranteed to turn your brain into soup until you familiarise yourself with their language.

Alternative career: Doctor, probably, or maybe an Alexander Technique teacher.

A place that inspires you: The Alps – the cold fresh air and the quality of the light is always a great rejuvenator in summer or winter.

Interesting fact about you: I’m a huge fan of power tools and have quite a collection to feed my DIY habit.