Introducing the timpani and percussion players of the London Symphony Orchestra.
Timpani
![]() Nigel Thomas: Principal ‘I loved pop, rock and jazz music from an early age, playing my mum’s pots and pans (with her knitting needles) from age four. Andre Previn’s Music Night (on BBC) was my introduction to the LSO and during one of the programmes I said to my mum and dad: ‘that’s what I’m going to do one day’!’ |
Percussion
![]() Neil Percy, Principal ‘I studied at Chetham’s from age eleven and not long after encountered the LSO for the first time with a BBC André Previn’s Music Night broadcast. I was totally hooked and said there and then: ‘that’s what I want to do and that’s the orchestra I want to do it with’! I’ve been incredibly lucky since then to live my musical dreams.’ |
![]() David Jackson ‘I was a huge Star Wars fan in the late '70s and on acquiring the Original Soundtrack album and reading on the front ‘Music composed and conducted by John Williams, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra’ I decided that THAT was the orchestra I wanted to play in.’ |
![]() Sam Walton: Co-Principal 'I played as an extra with the Orchestra before auditioning for the job. After a trial procedure I was pleased to be offered the job in May 2012.' |