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Richard, viola
What is your favourite piece of music?
The 6th Brandenburg Concerto by JS Bach - because there are no violins in it!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
An architect (before I got hooked on music).
What was your favourite subject at school?
Maths.
What was your favourite book when you were a child?
I loved Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad when I was a teenager.
Do you have any pets?
No, I used to have chickens and will definitely have them again.
How old were you when you decided to become a musician?
Probably when I was 15 years old. I played the violin at the time, but changed to the viola when I was about 20 years old after falling out with my violin teacher and finding a very inspirational viola teacher.
If that hadn't worked out, what would you have become instead?
An architect or a farmer.
Who is your musical hero?
Haydn.
When did you join CLS?
Before you were born! I think it was 1986.
What do you like best about playing with CLS?
It's a very friendly orchestra and always has been.
What was it like when you played in public for the first time?
Terrifying!
How do you get ready for a performance?
I brace myself for what's coming next.
How often do you practise?
I should say every day, but the real answer is whenever I'm frightened!
If you didn't play your instrument , what would you play?
The bassoon.
