Sebastian Comberti joined the London Mozart Players in 1983
Where else do you teach/play?
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Hanover Band, Britten Sinfonia, Orchestra of St John's, Divertimenti Ensemble, Trio Goya.
Where were you born?
London.
How old were you when you started playing, and why did you take up the cello?
I was eight - and then started again when I was nine! My grandfather, a very keen amateur, started me off.
What has been your most fun/interesting musical experience so far?
Difficult to choose one out of so many. A Prom concert with Gergiev and the World Orchestra for peace was memorable. Virtually every performance of the Mendelssohn Octet gives me a spine-tingle as does any Mozart Quintet! In June 2005 I played Boccherini at the composer's tomb in Lucca, Italy, for a ceremony and it was a curiously moving occasion.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
In the field of conductors, Norrington has probably had a biggest effect on my musical understanding. As far as musicians are concerned (not that conductors aren't musicians) there are just too many that I enjoy playing with. My chamber group Divertimenti has been together since we were students and feels like family.
Do you play any other instruments?
Baroque cello, arpeggione(!).
Do you have any hobbies you manage to fit into your spare time?
Running four children is enough.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Italy.
What's your favourite sound?
Silence (really).
