There is something special about playing in an orchestra, and the violin can give me that experience. I have been fortunate to play in a number of highly regarded amateur orchestras, most recently I am playing with the Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra (and before that the City of Southampton Orchestra and the Newbury Symphony Orchestra).

I am sometimes asked to play with other groups for different occasions including playing ‘in the pit’ for operas and musicals.

I regard myself as very fortunate that all my violin lessons were provided free of charge by the Norfolk County Music Service in the 1980s, and long for this opportunity to be given to youngsters again.