Michael Cox joined the London Mozart Players in 1999
Where else do you teach/play?
Principal Flute BBCSO, Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Haffner and Albion Wind Ensembles. Formerly Principal of the LSO. Professor RAM and visiting consultant RNCM.
Where were you born?
England – although I spent my childhood in Africa (Zimbabwe).
How old were you when you started playing, and why did you take up the flute?
Ten and a half. After I announced to my family I wanted to be a dancer I was bought a flute by my family as a safer option.
What has been your most fun/interesting musical experience so far?
Working with great composers (Tippett, Stockhausen, Boulez, Messiaen, Takemitsu, Bernstein, Berio, Lutoslawski, MacMillan) – tours and recordings playing Bach triple concerti alongside Murray Perahia – working flamenco dancers and Paul McCartney.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
As above.
Do you play any other instruments?
Having singing and piano lessons on a regular basis – also play baroque flute.
Do you have any hobbies you manage to fit into your spare time?
Tennis, canal boating, bridge.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Japan, Australia, the Caribbean, Brazil or Argentina – how to choose?
What's your favourite sound?
Bass viols and a well controlled but opulent soprano voice. The sound of water (waves, streams, waterfalls, rain, fountains – especially when swimming in them) but never dripping taps!
What would you be if you weren't a musician?
A monk, a singer or a chef.
