Royal Scottish National Orchestra Appoints New Principal Double Bass

Russian bassist Nikita Naumov will step into the role

Russian bassist Nikita Naumov has recently completed his trial period with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and now becomes its new Principal Double Bass. During his trial, he appeared at the Edinburgh International Festival and Royal Albert Hall.

Born in Russia and trained in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, Naumov won his first orchestral post with the Karaganda Symphony Orchestra. Further study with Alexander Shilo followed in St Petersburg, after which he won a scholarship to study with Rinat Ibragimov and Thomas Martin at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

In 2010, he was appointed Principal Double Bass of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (SCO), and he has appeared as Guest Principal with the London Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, among others. 

Naumov will make his final appearance with the SCO in March 2025, when he will be the featured soloist in Peter Eötvös's work Aurora for double bass, string orchestra, and accordion.

"After 15 happy years with Scottish Chamber Orchestra it is an honor to be joining the RSNO as its principal bass," Naumov said. "I’m looking forward to playing the wide range of repertoire in the season and working with this fantastic group of musicians."