Becky Smith
Trombone
Becky is Principal Trombone of the English National Opera, and previously held the position of Sub-Principal Trombone of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
When did you join?
I joined in September 2015
Favourite ENO opera?
Tough one, there’s so many highlights so far…can I have 3?! I loved my very first one in the job, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk by Shostakovich, also loved Jenufa by Janacek and our production of Magic Flute is fab, and although we don’t play much, it’s gorgeous music, especially the trombone bits when we do play!
Best ENO moment?
Being offered my job! Seriously though, I don’t really have a best eno moment, for me it’s getting to know each opera so well. It’s difficult not to get emotionally involved as it’s such a big part of your life, then feeling quite bereft when the run finishes! I love the whole process from the start of the rehearsals, seeing and hearing the music come alive on stage and hear it develop throughout the run, its a thrilling process to be part of.
How did you start?
I have a brass band background, all my family played so it was inevitable I would also learn!
Passion outside of opera?
Outside of opera, I love to cook, try to keep fit and we have nearly finished renovating our house after 7 years hard work!
Career Highlights
Born in Cambridge in 1979, Becky studied the trombone with Christopher Mowat, and euphonium with John Clark at the Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama from the age of 12 to 18. During this time she was also a member of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain.
In 1998 Becky gained a scholarship for a place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, and whilst studying there won the 2002 Royal Over-Seas League Music Competition Brass Prize, the Leggett Award, Terence Nagle Award and the Harry Mortimer Award. Becky is a founder member of Bones Apart.
She enjoys a busy freelance career performing with many of the UK’s orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Philharmonia, City of London Sinfonia, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House Covent Garden and all the BBC Orchestras.
Last updated: 4th January 2024