Ben Hoffnung joined the London Mozart Players in 1979 (he thinks)
Where else do you teach/play?
LSO, AAM, OAE. I teach at the RAM.
Where were you born?
London.
How old were you when you started playing, and why did you take up the timpani/percussion?
About 13. I had always loved anything to do with drums.
What has been your most fun/interesting musical experience so far?
Too numerous to mention, though currently I am deriving a lot of pleasure from conducting my choir.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
Some of the great conductors like Abbado, Haitink or Colin Davis have proved a great joy to work with and have been very inspiring.
Do you play any other instruments?
Not really. A little bit of piano but I am also doing some conducting.
Do you have any hobbies you manage to fit into your spare time?
Salmon and trout fishing.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I love going to Scotland. I have also had some happy times in Italy.
What's your favourite sound?
The sound of a Highland river in spate.
