ABSTRACT
In the case of orchestral artists, people are sometimes surprised that such an integrated ensemble as an orchestra can comprise musicians whose backgrounds and careers can differ very considerably. Harold Nash and David Theodore are successful and distinguished musicians in London. Though they come from different generations and their careers have taken rather different paths, there was a time when they were both principals in the Royal Opera Orchestra, Covent Garden, for several years; Nash as principal trombone he joined the orchestra in 1956 and is still the resident principal, and Theodore as principal oboe from 1982 until 1987. The Royal Opera Orchestra plays for both opera and ballet performances. Musicians can often find playing for the ballet frustrating. Ballet performances can also be long and physically hard work, and even when the music is of the highest standard, one is always aware that one is playing second fiddle' to the dancers.
