Classical Music

Summarise your instrument
‘It is not an instrument for showing off; it occupies the heart of the music.’

Best thing about it?
‘The warmth of the sound.’

Worst thing about it?
‘The jokes – the misconception that it is easy to play.’

How often do you practise?
‘Every day if I can.’
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Why did you choose the viola?
‘I changed over from playing the violin when I was 14 because I liked the sound of it.’

Do you ever wish you played another instrument?
‘Yes, every time I hear a Bruckner symphony, I wish I played the horn.’

Where do you sit in the orchestra?
‘Right in the middle.’

What can you hear where you sit?
‘In concerts, pretty much everything; in rehearsals, the woodwind players chatting.’

How much is your Instrument worth?
‘About £20,000 – it was made in London when Handel was still active.’

Your favourite pieces for the instrument?
‘I never tire of playing Handel’s “Messiah”.’

When are you playing next in London?
‘On Friday at Wigmore Hall in a concert called “Handel at Home”.’

Tell us a joke about viola players
‘No, but I’ll tell you one about violinists. How do you get ten violinists into a Mini? Make one the leader and the rest will crawl up his backside.’