David Campbell
Principal Clarinet

Began playing: aged 11

Training: National Youth Orchestra and Royal College of Music

Why did you choose to play the clarinet? I chose the clarinet because no piano lessons were available in my school but there was an old clarinet in the music room cupboard and a teacher who came on Tuesdays!

What else do you do? I'm Artistic Director of Musicfest - Aberystwyth, UK Chair of the International Clarinet Association as well as participating in film/tv session work and giving chamber music concerts, concerto performances and general freelancing.

How did you get involved with OOTS? David Curtis (Artistic Director) invited me to play. I had known David for years anyway and worked with him on many occasions when he was in the Coull Quartet.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I enjoy walking my dog in Cornwall. He is a cocker spaniel named Solo.

If you weren't a musician what career would you have pursued? I would like to be a producer of an Arts-based TV programmes

Have you had any embarrassing playing experiences? In the US I played whole pieces on the A clarinet instead of the Bb. An un-named American composer did not notice that it was all a semitone out!

How do you cope with pre-concert nerves? I do a series of exercises based on Brain Gym.

Who is your favourites composer and what is your favourite piece? Mozart - and the Requiem.

What is your favourite film? The Thomas Crown Affair

Favourite book? Woody Allen's Without Feathers'

What make of clarinet do you play? Buffet 'Vintage' clarinets made in 2001 with a 'David Campbell' mouthpiece, handmade in USA by Michael Lomax, Rico 'Evolution' reeds (3) and a BG 'Super Revelation' ligature.