Chris Stock
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Chris joined the BBC NOW in 1983 and became Principal Percussionist in 1987. When the orchestra created an education department he was one of the first players to work for it and he continues to take part in many varied projects. Chris taught both instrumental and workshop leading skills at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama for over 24 years, and has trained many of the professional percussionists working in Wales today.
Rachel Ford
Cello - BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
Rachel has been a member of BBC NOW since 2013. Before that she enjoyed a varied freelance career as a cellist and teacher and has worked with many orchestras, ballet and theatre companies in London and the UK, but also in the USA and Malaysia. Rachel coaches on the National Children's Orchestra of GB. She studied at the Purcell School of Music, The Royal Academy of Music and the State University of New York.
Phil Girling
Associate Principal Percussion - Welsh National Opera.
Phil has enjoyed a busy freelance career in Cardiff with Welsh National Opera and BBC NOW after graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama over 30 years ago. He has taught at the college for many years and now heads the Junior Conservatoire Percussion Department, tutoring the next generation of professionals and leading music workshops throughout Wales.
Robert Samuel
Trumpet.
Robert has been a member of the BBC NOW trumpet section since 2002. Having been educated in West Glamorgan, he enjoyed being a member of the National Youth Orchestra and Brass Band of Wales. Robert studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London with James Watson. He has a real passion for teaching at all levels, and particularly loves returning to the National Youth bands and orchestras of his youth to coach and nurture talent.
Gareth Cheesman
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Born and educated in Pontypridd, Gareth studied music and learned the piano during his school days. He was a commissioned officer in the Royal Air Force leaving in the rank of Wing Commander after 25 years' service. After a few years working for an international aircraft manufacturer, he moved into the education sector where he obtained an MBA in Education Management from the University of Lincolnshire. Most of his remaining working life was in an international education environment for pre-university students (Years 12 and 13), working with students from many nations. Gareth is a long-time member of Rotary International and has taken an active management role in working with international scholars entering Welsh universities and with Welsh scholars studying in overseas universities.
Catrin Finch - Patron.
Virtuoso Welsh harpist, arranger and composer.
Catrin was the Official Harpist to the Prince of Wales from 2000 to 2004. She continues to be much in demand as a soloist, as well as being a visiting professor at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Visit website
