Good questions - and a pupil at De Bohun Primary School in Enfield found out the answer to the first one during the Nonesuch Orchestra workshop at the end of October. You could probably say - not as heavy as it looks…

It was our first visit to the school, and five students joined the orchestra on recorders and clarinets to perform Tony Osborne’s delightful Frère Jazzer. Students and staff alike were so welcoming and receptive, it was a joy to make music with them and we hope we shall be invited to return!

Nonesuch’s guest wind section brought new tones and super-accurate rhythm to Frère Jazzer

But what about playing the bass? Let’s hear from our bassist Jonny Hayward - seen in the photo below - about his journey from home to his third year at the Royal Academy of Music:

“I'm from Belfast. I started playing Cello when I was eight and picked up Bass two years later. I played in my school and local youth orchestras and fell in love with orchestral music. After stints with the National Youth Orchestras of Ireland and Great Britain, I got a full scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music! London is one of the most musical cities in the world and top-notch concerts are happening daily.

“I practice for 3 or 4 hours a day, and have rehearsals throughout the week - so I am very busy. I also jam with my cello at weekly Irish Traditional sessions in North London. Outside of music, I love to run, especially on Hampstead Heath.

“Nonesuch is one of my favourite things during the week. I learn a lot at our weekly rehearsals as the repertoire is unique and excellent. I love tackling pieces I've never played before and for me, this is what makes Nonesuch a cut above the rest. I especially love the school projects. It's so refreshing to see that kids absolutely love classical music!”