Andrew Pollock

Second Violin

Member since 1984

‘The first time I played in a full-sized symphony orchestra was with the Manchester Schools Orchestra aged ten, and it was a revelatory experience. I’ll never forget the excitement of being an integral part of such amazing music – Così Fan Tutte Overture and Smetana’s Vltava in that first rehearsal.’

Born in Manchester, Andrew Pollock’s first experience of violin playing was in group lessons at school, aged seven. He read Geography at Clare College, Cambridge, spending much of his time there playing in orchestras and chamber ensembles, before going on to study violin with Emanuel Hurwitz and at the National Centre for Orchestral Studies, where he had spells as Leader and Principal Second, and chamber music coaching from the Amadeus Quartet. After further lessons from Jack Rothstein, Michel Schwalbé and Barry Griffiths he freelanced with many UK orchestras and first played with the LSO in 1983, becoming an associate member in 1984 and a full member in 1985. Between 1988 and 1997 he served as a Director on the LSO Board. He teaches extensively, having been Head of Strings at The King’s School, Canterbury for 22 years, and enjoys working with students of all ages. Andrew plays on a violin by Paolo Antonio Testore, Milan, 1730.