Meet the Players | Series Two

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.

Steve Quigley - Principal Percussionist (2018) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John WilliamsRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

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.

Rosemary Wainwright, Tutti Violin (2014-06-29) by Royal Philharmonic OrchestraRoyal Philharmonic Orchestra

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.

Adam Wright - Sub-Principal Trumpet & Chairman (2018) by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and John WilliamsRoyal Philharmonic 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.

Credits: Story

Films directed by John Williams
Thanks to Sulki Yu, Adam Wright and Steve Quigley.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions (listed below) who have supplied the content.
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