Philip White

At 13 he became a founder member of the National Children’s Orchestra and at 14 entered the junior department of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Here he studied with Leon Taylor and two years later won the coveted brass prize. Upon leaving school, Philip went to the Royal College of Music, where he spent four years studying with John Iveson and Arthur Wilson. He graduated with a GRM Honours degree and an ARCM performing diploma.  

Throughout Philip’s career he has been extremely fortunate to have worked in so many diverse ensembles. His first professional work aged 16 was in a pantomime pit followed by a Function Band on a cruise ship. As a freelance player he worked with cutting edge groups Ensemble Modern, London Sinfonietta and Britten Sinfonia, whilst regularly deputising on West End Productions of Cats, Starlight Express, Fiddler on the Roof, Lion King, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and The Sound of Music. He has performed on numerous movie and video game scores including Iron Man, Mission Impossible, Thor, Dunkirk, Avengers, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, Call of Duty and Fable.  

Orchestral work has been where Philip has spent the majority of his career. He has freelanced with most of the UK’s leading orchestras such as the BBC Concert, BBC Symphony, BBC Welsh, Bournemouth, CBSO, ENO, LSO, Northern Sinfonia, Royal Liverpool, Royal Opera House and Welsh Opera. In 2001 he was appointed No. 2 Trombone with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held until 2010 when he moved to the same position at the Philharmonia. 

Musical education has always been something Philip has been proud to be a part of. He has worked with many UK Hubs delivering outreach programmes to both adults and children. He is a Professor of Trombone at Trinity Laban Conservatoire London and for the last seven years Musical Director of the Bold As project in Deal where schools across the area get access to playing a brass instrument. 

The No. 2 Trombone Chair is currently available for endowment. Endowment opportunities at the Philharmonia offer supporters unique access and insights to our players. Find out more here.