Phil Harrison

  • Instrument

    Trombone

  • Outside of BPO, what is your occupation?

    Photographer / Videographer 


  • How long have you been a member of BPO?

    I joined in 1998


  • What inspired you to take up your instrument?

    I come from a musical family although Mum & Dad played violin.  I tried violin but didn't get on with it too well (probably as found it too difficult to play!) so at the age of 11 went to a music shop in Worcester , blew a trumpet and a trombone and that was it decision made.  

  • How did you come to join the orchestra?

    Trish Moore who still plays in BPO mentioned to me that they needed a trombone player. 


  • Most treasured occasion with the BPO?

    Quite a few but performing Mahler 3 in Birmingham Town Hall with the big solo & playing in a great section will always remain my most treasured occasion. 

  • Any moments you would rather forget?

    Sutton Coldfield Town Hall rehearsal on a concert day, moving my chair a few inches too far back & falling off the back of the platform, head back and feet in the air. Mike Lloyd conducting stopped the orchestra to check I was ok.   My first thought was to save my trombone so held it in front of me and Dave Nash on 2nd trom thankfully grabbed it!  There was in fact a wall behind me so ended up wedged between this and the platform to much hilarity in the horn section. 

  • Favourite composer? Least favourite composer?

    Mahler favourite.   Beethoven least favourite. 


  • Work(s) you would like to play before you die?

    Anything I've not come across before with great low brass parts!