Melanie Cull, second violin

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

1996.

Why did you choose to play your instrument?

As a child I remember expressing an interest in the harp or the cello but was told the family car was too small. Then one day, the headmistress of my school brought in a violin and I went home to tell my parents that I had to learn how to play it.

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

I absolutely adore Baroque music, Vivaldi and Bach being my favourite composers. I was a member of the Capriol Consort for many years, a group formed by the amazing flute teacher, Doris Keogh. It was a Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque music and dance group where we performed in period costumes and with period instruments.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the orchestra?

I really, really love growing vegetables. I’m literally counting down the days till I can put down my first early potatoes.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you most like to be?

I worked in pubs for many years and absolutely loved it. I’d love to have my own bar or a really good whiskey and wine shop.

Who is your musical idol?

My Dad, Tom Briggs, played Third Horn in the NSO for 43 years. He adored making music. He retired from the NSO when he was 65 but freelanced for many years after.

You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?

I would like to have a mix of styles of music depending on my mood. The Vivaldi Album by Cecelia Bartoli; My 21st Century Blues by Raye; and any album by Rammstein. I’m a fan of Formula One, so my book would be Driving to Survive by Gunther Steiner