I’m the Director of Dulwich Youth Orchestra, which runs fun music courses in the school holidays for children aged 7 – 18 years. I am also a member of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and a Mum of two boys (who play in DYO!). I’ve been living in and around South East London for almost 20 years.
What brought you here?
I’ve had a long association with Dulwich as I began playing with DYO when was 12. For nearly twenty years I’ve been delighted to be asked back as a coach, and I’m thrilled to have recently become the Director.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t do without?
After many years of searching the auction houses, I finally found my three-hundred-year-old violin. I knew as soon as I played it that it was ‘the one’.
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
I’ve played at Buckingham Palace a few times with the Royal Ballet and Opera and have met King Charles and Queen Camilla each time. They were very charming, kind and terribly concerned that we were warm enough to play.
Describe your perfect weekend
A wander around the bookshops in the West End (particularly Foyles and Gosh! Comics) with my boys on Saturday, followed by a pizza at Sartori on Great Newport Street. A walk into Kent with friends on Sunday followed by a large family roast at my parents’ house.
Where are you likely to be found on Saturday?
I am normally working at the Royal Opera House on Saturdays either a Matinee performance, then home for Saturday evening, or hanging out with the family for the day then off to work for an evening performance.
What is your favourite place to eat?
Ganapati in Peckham is a current favourite, the Kuttanadu Duck is outstanding.
Coffee or tea? Where?
Both! Tea first, then coffee. I love to Visit Boulangerie Jade on my DYO mornings – their flat white and croissants are just the thing to get me fueled up for a busy morning.
The best-kept secret…
There’s a tiny cocktail bar called Dovetail on Russell Street in Covent Garden. The entrance is very discreet, and the cocktails are delicious!
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
My most special place to walk is up Roseberry Topping in the Cleveland Hills, North Yorkshire near my in-laws. There are spectacular views at the top over to the North Sea and a great pub at the bottom!
When I want to relax...
I curl up on the sofa with a large mug of tea, a slice of cake, my book and my cat, Trevor.
The book I’m reading at the moment..
I’m re-reading Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale in preparation for reading The Testaments.
My perfect holiday..
is camping in France with our trailer tent.
@dyodulwich (Facebook & Instagram)