Neill Evans
Neill started playing the French Horn at the age of fourteen, studying with Phillip Box and John Geddes in Birmingham, then later with Ifor James at the Royal Academy of Music. At the age of seventeen, Neill won a place on BBC Radio Two's 'Young Musician's Platform' and broadcast a recital with the eminent accompanist Gerald Moore.
From a very early age, Neill developed a fascination with flying and after gaining a flying scholarship, Neill joined the Royal Air Force and trained as a pilot. Neill left the RAF in 1989 and started his musical career in the UK tour of Leonard Bernstein's "On the Town". In 1990, Neill was asked to play principal horn for City of Birmingham Touring Opera's production of the "Ring Saga", a condensed version of Wagner's Ring Cycle. Then followed ten years playing with the London Symphony Orchestra and freelance work with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Sinfonietta and the London Chamber Orchestra.
Teaching experience includes the London Borough of Harrow, Royal Marines School of Music and masterclasses for the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Guildhall School, Royal Academy and Royal College as part of the LSO Shell scheme. Currently Neill is teaching horn at Bedales School and is also Head of Training at Phoenix Aviation, Lee on Solent. He is a Flight Examiner for the Civil Aviation Authority. Still a busy freelance player he is a regular member of the Southern Pro Musica Orchestra among other professional groups.