Neil Mitchell
Born: Glasgow
Studied: Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and University of Wales College Cardiff.
Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I was Principal Horn of the Royal Artillery Band and Orchestra.
Joined: 2010
First ballet or concert you saw: A Beethoven concert of Egmont Overture, Piano Concerto No.5 and Symphony No.5. I had just started playing the horn and it inspired me to keep playing.
First album: Prince Charming by Adam and the Ants. I liked the songs and 80’s keyboard sounds.
Why the horn? I started on a cornet in a local brass band, then the trumpet at school. There were so many trumpeters that the teacher found an old battered horn in a cupboard and asked for a volunteer - the rest is history. I love the warm, beautiful, lyrical sound.
Favourite ballet to play: The Nutcracker, because it’s short!
Most challenging piece to play:Sea Eagle for solo horn, composed by Peter Maxwell Davies. Also anything by Tippet.
Alternative career: Footballer.
Most challenging non-musical thing you have done: Army basic training.
Places that inspires you: The Scottish highlands for the grandeur and beauty, and Greece for the ancient ruins.
People who inspire you outside of the music world: My children, they are nuts but fun!
Headshot. © The Finest Light.