Principal Second Violin
Born in Norwich, Andrew began playing the violin at the age of 7, an instrument chosen as his father already had one in a cupboard! Learning with a local peripatetic teacher, he soon joined the local youth and amateur orchestras and progressed to be a member of the National Youth Orchestra for four years. His studies continued with pedagogues Frederick Grinke and Manoug Parikian before attending the Royal Academy of Music under Carmel Kaine, and finally Erich Gruenberg, ex-RPO concertmaster. The world of string quartets excited and challenged him for the following decade, as a member of the Medea and then Schidlof Quartets (studying with members of the Amadeus, Borodin, LaSalle, and Bartok Quartets).
A brief spell in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra preceded Andrew joining the RPO in 2003 as Principal Second Violin, a position he regards as the best in any orchestra, offering a wonderful vantage point of conductors and soloists. He has also appeared as Principal Second with the BBCSO, LPO, Philharmonia, Bournemouth Symphony, Halle, Royal Opera House orchestras and ENO.
Away from the violin, Andrew enjoys working as a producer for the Deux-Elles record label, and relaxing with his bassoonist wife, their four children and dog. Andrew is currently Chair of the Board of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Andrew is the Chair of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Board of Directors.
Andrew gratefully acknowledges the support of his Chair Partners, Peter and Jane Lumley.