Watford Symphony Orchestra

John is currently the Director of String Development and Head of Saturday Music School at Watford School of Music. He is also the Head of Lower Strings for Hertfordshire's Music Service.

John began playing the 'cello aged 10; at 15, he was awarded a place to study with Professor Florence Hooton from the Royal Academy of Music. Aged 18, he continued his studies at the Royal Academy under Derek Simpson, and after graduating, embarked on the postgraduate orchestral course run by the BBC; The National Centre for Orchestral Studies.

John plays professionally as a freelance cellist, including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has been privileged to accompany Luciano Pavarotti, and more recently, Katherine Jenkins and Tony Hadley - amongst many others!

John has also worked with some of the world's most legendary conductors including Simon Rattle, George Solti, Antal Dorati, Andrew Davis, Charles Groves, Vernon Handley, Edward Downes, Richard Hickox and Norman Del Mar.

John has been conducting orchestras for more then 25 years and has worked with players from RPO, BBCCO, BBCSO, BBCNOW in various ensembles over this period. He has a special love for nurturing musicians of the future and for this reason particularly enjoys working with youth orchestras.

John is thrilled to be working with Watford Symphony Orchestra for this concert, Watford's first ever New Year's Day concert!