David Atcheler, horn - sub principal

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

1985 

Where did you study?

Royal Academy of Music, London 

Why did you choose to play your instrument?

I didn’t. It chose me. When my grandfather died, we were clearing out his garage and found an old tenor horn which he used to play in the fire brigade band. I took it into school one day and the music teacher suggested I take lessons. Which I did.

What is your favourite NSO memory?

Funnily enough, it occurred on my first day in Studio 1 out in RTÉ. The orchestra tuned and then suddenly started playing the first piece all by itself, or so I thought. Unseen by me was the diminutive conductor who I couldn’t see due to the distance between me and the rostrum. An orchestra that can play by itself. Now that’s clever, I thought, as a young 22-year-old!

Who is your favourite composer, and what is your favourite work?

Mahler. And any of his symphonies. He writes so well for the horn.

What do you enjoy doing away from the NSO?

Gardening. I have a large garden in the Wicklow mountains and there are always endless jobs to do. I recently acquired a greenhouse so can spend hours pottering away in there. I also love living in the mountains and enjoy walks to see the amazing wildlife that surrounds me. 

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?

My horn teacher at college told me if I wanted to get a horn job to always go for the Fourth Horn seat as it will prolong your career. I did, and it proved wise advice!