Q&A with Thomas Pickering
Tuesday 13 January 2026
Thomas, a virtuoso recorder player, baroque flautist and harpsichordist, is a dynamic and versatile presence on the early music scene. Recent engagements include performing in the Royal Opera House’s Olivier Award winning Alcina, ENO’s Olivier Award winning Noye’s Fludde, leading as Principal Recorder for The Early Opera Company’s Venus and Adonis, and touring with Opera North in their production of The Greek Passion. Alongside his performing career, he is also developing a distinctive profile as a recording producer for early music projects. He co-directs the internationally acclaimed ensemble Apollo’s Cabinet, winners of the Royal Overseas League Mixed Ensemble Prize, the Utrecht Oude Muziek Competition and the Göttingen International Händel Competition. We had a quick chat with him about the upcoming performance he is joining us for: The Food of Love.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a musician who plays recorder, baroque flute, and harpsichord, and I spend most of my time performing chamber music across the UK and Europe. I enjoy jumping between all three instruments, which keeps me busy and always means each project feels different and exciting.
I’m particularly drawn to chamber music and collaborative performance – I co-direct the ensemble Apollo’s Cabinet, where we focus on presenting early music in ways that feel fresh and relevant today. I also work as a producer, which lets me be part of the creative process from a different perspective.
“Chamber music has probably shaped me more than anything else. Playing in small ensembles teaches you to listen deeply, react instinctively, and trust the people you’re performing with.”
Is there a moment/person/group in your life so far that has shaped you most as a performer?
Chamber music has probably shaped me more than anything else. Playing in small ensembles teaches you to listen deeply, react instinctively, and trust the people you’re performing with. I love the spontaneity of it — no two performances are ever the same, and that sense of shared risk and communication is what keeps it so engaging for me.
What do you hope audiences feel during/take away from this programme?
I hope people leave with full hearts, having eaten good food, and heard beautiful music. Hopefully it makes their weekend that much happier!
Do you have a favourite love song/romantic piece of music?
Very hard to choose! Possibly Carinhoso by Pixinguinha — I really love Rita Payés’ version of it that she’s recorded with her mum. It’s a Brazilian choro piece that means “affectionate” and there’s something really special and intimate in their mother-daughter rendition – I’d recommend the whole album!
Outside of music/performing, what inspires your creativity?
Travel and being in new places — basically anything that slightly resets how I listen and pay attention. I have a great friend and colleague that without fail every time we end up in some obscure or tiny corner of the world he’ll take a step back and remind us of the uniqueness of our job and how it takes us places we’d NEVER encounter otherwise. That’s something I’ll never get tired of!
What is your favourite food, and go-to post show drink?
Most of the year I’ll enjoy a gin and tonic — unless it’s particularly warm in the summer, then I’m usually tempted by an aperol spritz!
Join us for Food of Love on Friday 13 & Saturday 14 February 2026 at Fidelio Cafe.