simon channing
After graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in English, Simon Channing worked regularly as a freelance flautist with the English Chamber Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic Orchestra, before joining the London Philharmonic Orchestra as sub-principal flute in 1988. He was a member of the orchestra for eight years, including three as chairman, and his wide orchestral experience has included playing for many of the world’s great conductors, including Solti, Tennstedt, Mehta, Haitink and Rattle. In 1997 he was granted a year’s sabbatical by the London Philharmonic Orchestra to become Head of Woodwind, Brass and Percussion at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, before returning to London as Head of Performance Planning at the Royal College of Music. He became Head of Woodwind at the RCM in 2010. Simon was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal College of Music in March 2019, conferred on him by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.