Biography

Originally from Bridlington, East Yorkshire, Adam attended Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester until 2007 and was a member of the National Youth Orchestra, becoming Principal Horn in his final year. Adam continued his studies at the Royal College of Music as a foundation scholar and an ABRSM scholar, receiving additional support from The Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

Since graduating, Adam has had a varied freelance career including trials with the Ulster Orchestra, Opera North, BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Adam has worked with major orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic orchestras, London Concert Orchestra and The British Sinfonietta.

Aside from classical music, Adam has toured with Rick Wakeman (Yes), and has performed with Deep Purple, Glenn Hughes (Black Sabbath) and Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden). Adam has recorded for Pink Floyd and Rick Wakeman and in 2014 played Principal Horn in the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. He has also recorded and toured with art rock band These New Puritans in Europe, America and Japan, and has travelled to Dubai and India whilst working with Bollywood artist Arijit Singh.

Adam has in the past held teaching positions in primary education, and is currently teaching privately and as a horn tutor for the Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra. Adam also works on a freelance basis for Paxman Horns and plays a Paxman Horn, kindly sponsored by the Lords Feoffees of Bridlington.

QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS

What do you love about classical music?
The same thing I love about all types of music – it can entertain us, soothe us, remind us of places and people. It can bring your mood up, or indeed bring it down. With classical music there’s also a whole history ready to explore – whereas, if you like a band you always have to wait for them to do their next album.

What is your most embarrassing or amusing musical moment?
The horn’s a fairly temperamental instrument, I’m not sure we can afford to be embarrassed by it! I did once manage to leave my passport in a hotel room whilst touring and didn’t realise until I got to the airport check-in. My rising panic in front of the orchestra was fairly embarrassing.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us.
I play bass in an electro-pop band…