The RPO has been at the forefront of music-making for over seventy years. Meet some of the key players, and find out more about life in the UK's busiest ensemble. In Series Two we focus on percussion, the violin and trumpet.
Percussion
The percussion section is the backbone of the orchestra. Whether propping up the ensemble with thunderous drums, crashing cymbals, or adding colour with sparkling triangles and chattering castanets, it is a challenging job, where every part is a solo. As well as being comfortable playing a whole range of instruments, a percussionist must be adept at counting bar after bar of rests before their next big moment!
Marimba in Royal Festival Hall (2015-01-27) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Nick RutterRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
The percussion section is found at the back of the orchestra. It includes untuned instruments such as cymbals and drums, and tuned instruments, including xylophones and marimbas.
Matt Perry - Timpani (2014-06-09) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Bill HiskettRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
Timpani are large, tuned kettle drums that are commonly employed in orchestral music to punctuate the most dramatic moments.
Player Profile: Steve (Percussion) (2018) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John WilliamsRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
Describing his job as "90% boredom and 10% terror", hear the RPO's Stephen Quigley talk about his experience as an orchestral percussionist.
Violin
No orchestra is ever complete without the violin section, they form the heart of the orchestra and responsible for some of the most sublime moments in music. From playing sweeping melodies, performing at lighting-speed or even adding special effects, life is never boring for this instrument!
RPO Violin Section (2014-06-09) by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
The violin section is located at the front of the orchestra, nearest the conductor. It is typically split into two sections, known as the First and Second Violins.
RPO Violin Section with Pinchas Zukerman (2014-06-09) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Patrizia LannaRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
The violin is also often featured as a solo instrument, shown here by our Principal Guest Conductor, Pinchas Zukerman.
Player Profile:Sulki Yu (First Violin) (2018) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John WilliamsRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
A member of the RPO's First Violin Section, Sulki Yu, talks about her instrument, and life within the Orchestra.
Trumpet
There’s no hiding when playing a brass instrument, everything can be heard by everybody, and the trumpet is no exception. The trumpet is a very versatile instrument; it can often be heard adding the blazing heroic tune to an epic finale, providing power and depth, or spicing things up with distant fanfares.
RPO Trumpet Section (2014-06-09) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Bill HiskettRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
The trumpet is the highest pitched instrument within the brass family, located near the back of the orchestra, but in front of the percussion.
Player Profile: Adam (Trumpet) (2018) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John WilliamsRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra
Watch Adam Wright, Sub-Principal Trumpet and Chairman of the Orchestra, describing his time with the RPO.
Films directed by John Williams
Thanks to Sulki Yu, Adam Wright and Steve Quigley.
