Philip Nelson began his musical journey studying with his father before continuing at the prestigious Yehudi Menuhin School. At the age of 14, he moved to the UK to further his studies and eventually attended the Royal College of Music in London, supported by a full ABRSM scholarship. He later completed his Konzertexamen at the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf, studying with Rick Stotijn.

 

He performs regularly as Principal Double Bass with the Sinfonia of London, contributing to multiple acclaimed recordings. In 2020, he was appointed Section-Leader Double Bass with the Royal Northern Sinfonia, a position he held for three years, where he performed notable solo works such as Jean Françaix’s Double Bass Concerto and Missy Mazzoli’s “Dark with Excessive Bright.”

 

In 2024, Philip joined the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE). With COE, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with world-class conductors and soloists, including Sir Simon Rattle, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Sir András Schiff, and Robin Ticciati.

 

Philip has also appeared as guest Principal Double Bass with leading orchestras such as the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Frankfurt Opera, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Spira Mirabilis. His chamber music collaborations include performances with Ensemble360, the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, and 12Ensemble, with festival appearances at Music in the Round Sheffield, Lewes Chamber Music Festival, Ulverston International Chamber Music Festival, and more.

 

As a soloist, he has performed with the Munich Chamber Orchestra, Neue Philharmonie Westfalen, and the Theater & Philharmonie Altenburg-Gera. His recording credits include Cipriani Potter’s Concertante with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Philip has received multiple awards at international competitions, including prizes at the International Society of Bassists Solo Competition, BassEurope Solo Competition, and Sperger Competition, and was recently a semi-finalist in the 2023 ARD Competition.

 

Outside of music, Philip is an avid chess player. Now based in London, he continues to balance his thriving career, excelling in both solo and orchestral performance.

​