29 Jun 2021 Written By Matthew Eastley

Phil Hall 1977 to 1984

Phil Hall, far left, with the Carnegie Ensemble, consisting of fellow members of the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Phil founded the Ensemble to play in the redeveloped old Erith Library, now called The Exchange.

Phil Hall arrived at St Mary’s from St Fidelis, Erith, in September 1977, following in the footsteps of older brothers James (1973) and Matt (1976).

His musical talent was quickly apparent and he was a mainstay of the school orchestra during the seven years he spent in Sidcup.

After leaving the amalgamated St Mary’s and St Joseph’s in 1984, he went to Lancaster University to study Music.

From there, Phil did a post-graduate orchestral studies course at Goldsmith’s College. While studying at Goldsmith’s, Phil auditioned for and landed a principal viola role in Jyväskylä, Finland:

“They used to pay me 50 Finnish marks extra a month to play tuba if required, which I did when the President once visited the city!” he said.

While in Finland he met his wife Sandra before returning to the UK in 1990 when Phil joined the BBC Philharmonic in Manchester.

After his marriage to Sandra, Phil joined the BBC Symphony orchestra in December 1991 where he is now sub-principal viola.

Phil and Sandra have three children in their 20s – Alex, Amy and Anna.