Polly Ballard, Cello - Associate Principal

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

2008.

Where did you study? 

I have been very fortunate in my musical education and the support I had from family and teachers. I was a Junior Exhibitioner at the Royal Academy of Music from the age of 12 and I went on to study with Amaryllis Fleming at the Royal College of Music. Although I won an award to study further, circumstances meant I could not take up this opportunity. Twenty years later I took up lessons again and perhaps should take them up again now, another 20 years later!

Why did you choose to play your instrument? 

I have three older sisters who played instruments and I think my parents chose the cello to keep me quiet!

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

I do not really have a favourite composer, rather works that have a special meaning or had a particular importance in my life, including the Elgar Cello Concerto, Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Barber’s Sure on this Shining Night.

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

The garden calls… or rather shouts!

What is your greatest achievement – either musical or general?

I could say being offered a job to become the fifth female to play in the London Symphony Orchestra at the age of 23, or being offered the job at the NSO here 25 years later but actually, it is bringing up four children. 

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

I have met many really interesting and famous people in my life but to be honest I find family and friends are the most fun to have dinner with. I would like to bring my parents back for a huge family Sunday lunch so they could see what their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren are doing. That would be special.