Pamela Stainer, trumpet

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

March 2024.

What made you decide to pursue a career in music?

Music has always surrounded me, with my Mum being an opera singer and Dad a trumpet player. I can remember going to see my Mum perform across the UK and I just loved it. It would have been very hard for me to not be a musician given my upbringing.

Tell us your favourite NSO story/memory so far.

Mahler’s Second Symphony with Anja Bihlmaier was absolutely amazing. Despite having played the piece a couple of times before, Anja made it sound so different. It was one of my most memorable concerts so far as a musician.

What are you most looking forward to in our 2024-2025 season?

Mahler’s Ninth Symphony with Anja Bihlmaier in May next year.

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

As a brass player it’s hard to deny my love for anything loud! My ultimate favourite has to be Bruckner’s Seventh Symphony, which is coming up in December. 

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

I am passionate about mental health, so I’d do something with my counselling qualification. My other dream is to have a herd of Alpacas! They are the most calming and therapeutic animals to be around, so to be able to have some on my own land would be amazing.

What is your greatest achievement – either musical or general?

My gorgeous eight-year-old son, Freddie. I’m so proud of the kind, caring young man he is becoming. And he’s brilliant craic!

Who is your musical idol?

Maurice Murphy – the Star Wars soundtracks give me goosebumps every time.

If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?

Brené Brown. She is the most inspiring woman. Her TED talk on vulnerability is life changing