Nicola McWhirter Viola

I can't believe that I've been with the orchestra for 16 years now - it certainly doesn't feel like it!

There have been many concerts in that time but particular favourites have to be Neilson symphonies with Jack Thomson (Brydon), the Jazz Festival concert with trumpeter James Morrison, The Flying Dutchman and Electra with Weller and any programme with a Shostakovich symphony.

We've visited many interesting places too and Istanbul was great but not really women friendly...

I grew up in Elgin - a lovely part of the world with really good music provision for schools. Not much access to live orchestral concerts though - I didn't hear a symphony concert until I went to college (the RSAMD in Glasgow). I now play a Wilfred Saunders viola called 'Rachel' - he named all his instruments.

Along with Joshua Bell (a brill soloist), one of my greatest musical influences was my Gran who was a talented pianist and gave me lots of encouragement. Sadly she died before I joined the RSNO.

I like all music and don't really have a favourite, however I do like Shostakovich, Prokofiev and Sinatra (I'd have loved to hear my husband Alastair playing in Sinatra's band!). My desert island must-haves would be my husband of course, a radio and my comfy bed.

I enjoy running to keep fit but don't have much spare time with three children around and have never been known to sing in the bath!

Nicola is married to Alastair Sinclair, RSNO's Principal Bass Trombone.

---

Share this page...