Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Hires New Principal Double Bass

The Australian double bassist Jason Henery will step into the role

Hailing from Sydney, Jason Henery started learning the violin at age five before studying the double bass with his father in 2010. 

In 2019, Henery began attending the Curtis Institute of Music, where he was mentored by Harold Robinson and Edgar Meyer.

During his time at Curtis, he performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, and members of the Berlin Philharmonic at the Pacific Music Festival. In 2021, he was awarded first prize and the Gary Karr Prize at the International Society of Bassists’ Solo Competition. 

Based in London since 2024, Henery has appeared as a guest principal player with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, and Oxford Philharmonic. He has also performed with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, Sinfonia of London, City of London Sinfonia, and more. 

“We’re delighted to announce that Jason Henery has been appointed to the position of Principal Double Bass,” the RPO posted on Instagram. “Jason has appeared as Guest Principal with the Philharmonia Orchestra, Oslo Philharmonic, BBC Concert Orchestra, and Oxford Philharmonic. We're happy to have him aboard!”

"I’m absolutely thrilled to be joining [the RPO],” Henry added. “It’s an honour to be playing with such outstanding musicians and I’m excited for the musical adventures ahead with this incredible ensemble as well as the varied artistic collaborators we have the pleasure of working alongside.”