Born: Newport, South Wales

Studied: I studied as a specialist musician at Wells Cathedral School from the age of 13, then The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. As a result of numerous major scholarships I went on to study at The Royal Academy of Music and with Herman Krebbers in Amsterdam. I also attended masterclass courses at Britten Pears, Aldeburgh, and the International Musicians Seminar Prussia Cove.

Career before Royal Ballet Sinfonia: I held a first violin position with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and freelanced with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields and English Chamber Orchestra.

Joined: 1990

Favourite piece of music: Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin because of its outpouring of melody and beautiful storytelling.

First concert or ballet you saw: La Fille mal gardée with Sadler's Wells in Cardiff when I was about six. I loved it.

Favourite ballet to play: Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloé, as it is totally absorbing and Manon, as I can never play the ending without tears.

Why the violin? The violin was chosen for me by my father who was a miner in the coal mine and wanted his children to do something artistic. My love of the violin grew from that point. It’s an entire way of life and I enjoy passing my knowledge on through my teaching.

Alternative career: I would probably work for an MP.

A person that inspires you: Andy Murray and Michelle Obama.

A place that inspires you: I love the West Wales coast for its beauty.

Most challenging non-musical thing you have done: Raising my children.

Interesting fact about you: Teaching is also a large part of my life. I have taught at Junior Guildhall for over 15 years and run my own music courses, National Strings, and London Children’s and Youth String Orchestras. I am on the Welsh Government Cross Party Working Group on the Arts.