Richard Stroud
Born: Brussels
Studied: I started off learning the horn with my Dad, who now lives in Birmingham and is a very good amateur horn player, until I got to Grade 8, then I studied with Michael Thompson. We lived in Belgium at the time, so we drove over every two or three months for a lesson. I went to the Royal Academy of Music when I left school to continue with Mike, as well as learning with Richard Watkins and Andrew Clarke.
Career before the Royal Ballet Sinfonia: After leaving the RAM I freelanced as a horn player with many of the top orchestras in the UK. One of my first trials was for Birmingham Royal Ballet and I have continued working as an extra for the orchestra for pretty much all of my freelance career.
Joined: 2026
Favourite piece of music: Almost an impossible question, really depends on my mood! I have a few favourites, including Shaker Loops by John Adams, Faure's Requiem and the last movement of Mahler's 2nd symphony. As a horn player, any tone poem by Richard Strauss is great fun to play. I particularly enjoy Ein Heldenleben and Alpine Symphony when they come around.
First concert you saw: The first concert I remember was in Belgium, which Mum and Dad took me to. It was at the Palais des Beaux-Arts in Brussels and a piece in the programme was Schumann's Konzertstuck for four horns. This was probably the first time I'd heard a professional horn section and it made quite an impression on me.
First album: My first album was UP by REM. I got it as one of the tracks. Daysleeper is one of my favourite songs.
Why did you choose your instrument? My Dad offered to give me a lesson on the horn one day. I started off on his instrument and haven't looked back since!
What do you love about playing your instrument? The big, sonorous and heroic sound that can come out of a horn can be so exciting. When everything goes right it is an amazing feeling.
Favourite ballet to play: My favourite ballet is Cinderella by Prokofiev. Simply gorgeous music that has good horn parts which are nice to play, but doesn't get too knackering!
Most challenging piece you've played: I think Strauss's 2nd horn concerto is one of the hardest solo pieces to play well. Orchestrally, the 1st horn part of Stravinsky's The Fairy's Kiss is very difficult. It is high, quiet and exposed, but it is a very beautiful piece of music.
Alternative career: Anything to do with finance. I did maths and economics A-levels and have money management qualifications. I work on the side as an investor on the online platform eToro.
Most challenging non-musical thing you have done? Probably getting my financial qualifications. I completed them in 2021, which was quite a few years since my A-levels, so learning how to study again was quite a challenge!
Places that inspire you: I love visiting Scotland – the landscape and scenery are breathtaking.
Is there anyone outside of the music world that inspires you and why? My family for sure. I don't know how everyone puts up with me but I'd be lost without them!
What do you enjoy doing outside of work? Being at home. I enjoy gardening, especially growing vegetables, spending time with my family and anything that involves food!
