Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?
After hearing a live performance of a cellist playing The Swan from the Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns. I was hooked. My mum (being a wonderful singer/soprano) would take me with her to her concerts. The ones that really moved me were oratorios, such as The St Matthew Passion by Bach. She passed on her deep love of music.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
Stage fright I guess….being able to find a way to let go and get one’s self out of the way. Nothing like a live BBC broadcast to get the adrenaline going!
Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?
I find it hard to listen back to anything without a critical ear!
Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?
I only know what I love playing. As a cellist one gets to play incredible bass lines written by composers such as Bach and Handel. And the string quartets are awesome, especially Beethoven slow movements. Yet it’s also amazing to play a tune!
A melodic line on the cello feels close to the quality of the human voice somehow.
‘Watching Waiting I Wonder’ by Michael J McEvay released 06.02.2026
What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?
Life really…..all one experiences. Being around other musicians is nourishing and inspiring in itself. Getting to travel the world and see incredible places and experience different cultures. I love being in nature; it’s immediacy and its power that grants us perspective and spaciousness. Reading and poetry also inspire and enrich my sense of being alive. The practice of yoga and meditation are important elements in my life. I guess it comes down to bringing attention to that which has a truth and a beauty.
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
Those are usually made by the person/organisation that books me to play. I love playing all sorts of music so I’m happy to have a go at whatever is on the menu.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
Holywell Music Room in Oxford. Apart from being a beautiful acoustic there’s always a large, warm and appreciative audience. The audience is just as important as the performers; the music creates a shared “field” of awareness.
What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
More variety, visuals, Music and Poetry etc; ways of creating a narrative and expand experience. Think audiences also enjoy engaging with the players, hearing them speak. Making music relevant and real so people can relate/resonate.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
Wow that’s just impossible to answer. There have been so many. LSSO youth orchestra under Simon Rattle/Handels Theodore in Glyndebourne/Guildhall strings debut in the Carnegie Hall and the first concert back with a live audience after Covid! These are some that spring to mind but in truth music is powerful and most concerts are extraordinary experiences. I feel very lucky.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
t’s what I mentioned earlier. There’s a kind of alchemy that takes place in a performance, between the musicians and the audience, it’s hard to put into words but it’s also tangible. You know when the music has spoken. For me this is the definition of success.
What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?
It’ll always present a challenge; there’s always more. In the end it’s the balance between finding your creativity/inspiration and getting out of the way in order to be part of something bigger than oneself. You won’t make loads of money but it’s deeply rewarding. If you love it do it!
What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?
The artists are the only people not actually making much money. Unless you’re a conductor or big-name soloist!
The hierarchy that’s always been there in one form or another. Like anything there are various forms of exploitation and abuse of power.
What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?
Hopefully still playing!
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Experiencing beauty, in nature or the arts brings happiness in its purest form.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Cello and my grandmother’s ring.
What is your present state of mind?
These questions have got me thinking!
Music doesn’t seem respected or valued in our culture. It all comes down to education, starting at the beginning. If you look at how we educate our children it’s all about facts, conformity, preparation for a future job! Just imagine a world where kids were taught to be curious, were soaked in Books, Art, Music, Poetry and Nature. It would change the world; I really believe that.
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