Head and shoulders portrait of John Thurgood

John Thurgood

Horn

When did you join?
In December 1983.

Favourite ENO opera?
Wagner’s Parsifal.

Best ENO moment?
Playing at the Met, in New York, during ENO’s US tour.

How did you start?
I started in school at 11 years old.

Passion outside of opera?
I enjoy sailing and classic cars.

Career Highlights

John Thurgood attended London’s Royal College of Music and began his career as a professional musician began in 1983 when he joined the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast.

In 1983 he was appointed to the position of Principal Horn with the Orchestra of English National Opera.

John Thurgood also joined the English Chamber Orchestra (ECO) as Principal Horn in 1995 and has performed with them throughout the world.

He has appeared as a soloist with the Orchestra on many occasions in this country and abroad, including Schumann’s Konzertstuck (Cadogan Hall, London) and most recently Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.

John Thurgood is a prominent chamber musician, playing as a member of the ECO Ensemble and numerous guest appearances with other leading chamber groups in the UK and abroad (including Mozart’s Horn Quintet at London’s Wigmore Hall and on tour).

His recent work in the commercial field includes Mission Impossible: Fallout, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Godzilla: King of the Monsters.

Last updated: 13th July 2023