Mark David, Part 1

Mark David is the Artistic Director and the Head of Brass at the Royal Academy of Music in London, England. He was principal trumpet for over twenty years with the Philharmonia Orchestra, and he currently holds that position with the Academy of St. Martins in the Fields. In addition to his presence in the English musical scene, he is also a certified ski and mountain bike instructor and takes part in ultra endurance events.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Mark talks about his experience playing with four different orchestras in England (Opera North, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Academy of St. Martins in the Fields.) And, in addition to relating his experiences of playing Mahler’s 5th Symphony under many different and great conductors, he delves into the politics of how orchestras in London are able to stay afloat.