Second Violin Colin McKee
When did you join the RSNO?
I joined the RSNO in June 2024.
Where are you from?
Glasgow.
Where did you study?
I studied at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester for my Undergraduate degree and at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland for my Masters.
What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
A common answer, but it is the people. From the other musicians to members of management and admin, everyone is very welcoming and friendly (particular mention to my crazy colleagues in the 2nd Violin Section!) That paired with playing great music every week makes it a pretty good place to work!
Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
A memory that stands out for me would be performing at the BBC Proms in 2022. It was a special moment for me to be performing to a full Royal Albert Hall at the iconic music festival with the orchestra that I grew up going to watch when I was younger. It was certainly a ‘pinch yourself’ moment.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
I’m a bit of a foodie and love to go try different cuisines/restaurants. Luckily I have people who are more than willing to partake in exploring the world through the stomach!
I also enjoy sports, in particular Formula 1 and Football, although as a fan of Partick Thistle the latter is not always the most relaxing of experiences.
Do you have any hidden talents?
As much as I would like to say yes, I wouldn’t say so. I am relatively handy in the kitchen at least which is always handy.
If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
It would have to be Billy Connolly. The mixture of stories, laughs and life wisdom that he could talk about, I think it would be some evening!
