Jo Stubbs

Instrument
Cello
Outside of BPO, what is your occupation?
Quality Manager in a geotechnical site investigation company and I also have a small yarn dyeing business.
How long have you been a member of BPO?
On and off since 1986 (?)
What inspired you to take up your instrument?
My mum took up the cello when us children started school and she wanted something to do. I used to tinkle around on it and started lessons at school when a slot was available.
How did you come to join the orchestra?
I can’t remember, it was so long ago!
Most treasured occasion with the BPO?
Playing Mahler’s Eighth Symphony in Symphony Hall. Not a dry eye on the house.
Any moments you would rather forget?
When we were ready to play the National Anthem in Sutton Coldfield Town Hall. Mike Lloyd forgot and plunged straight into Portsmouth Point. There was a lot of scrabbling for music!
Favourite composer? Least favourite composer?
Favourite composers (how can you just choose one?) Dvořák, Shostakovich, Richard Strauss.
Least favourite Debussy or Elgar.
Work(s) you would like to play before you die?
Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony. The orchestra played it just after I had my second child and I missed out playing it.