Born: Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Studied: Chetham’s School of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Joined: 1992

Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I freelanced in London, playing with most of the major symphony orchestras, as well as playing Guest Principal Cello with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on many occasions. I also lived in Norway, working as Alternating Solo Cello in Trondheim for two years.

Favourite pieces of music: Impossible to pick just one! I love the Elgar Symphonies, especially the slow movement of the first – simply beautiful. Sibelius’s 5th Symphony – the life affirming finale which is full of hope. Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel – deeply meditative, an essay in simplicity and stillness. Beim Schlafengehen from Strauss’s Four Last Songs, a serene look towards eternity, set to a stunning poem by Hermann Hesse. As a cellist I love the Bach suites – I find them very spiritual and, like Shakespeare, you find something different each time you play them. For non-classical music, Eva Cassidy’s rendition of Over the Rainbow which I find deeply moving and poignant, and Django Reinhardt’s exhilarating gypsy jazz music.

First ballet or concert you saw: I remember seeing the great French Cellist Paul Tortelier and his family at the Royal Hall in Harrogate shortly after I started cello lessons. It was so inspiring to witness his charismatic and magnetic playing and the joyful family connection.

Favourite ballet to play: Manon by Massenet. It has a gorgeous score and is deeply moving.

Why the cello? The cello has such a huge emotional range and has been described as the instrument closest to the human voice. I find the sheer physical connection of sitting with it and drawing out the sound very grounding and rewarding.

Alternative career: A Feline Nutritionist! I can’t believe what utter rubbish is in most cat foods!

A place that inspires you: I just love Holkham Beach – where the sky meets the sea on the north Norfolk coast. I also love the Minack open-air theatre at Porthcurrno in Cornwall with the sea as a dramatic backdrop. It was built by Rowena Cade, who was well into her eighties at the time, and her gardener.