Has anyone else managed to catch the documentary "The Phil"? It was playing on the Ovation channel here the other day. It is about the London Philharmonia Orchestra. It is a 3 part series. I think it was filmed in 1999 based on a conversation about someones contract renewal dates.

The principal flute was Ken Smith. They also followed another flute/piccolo player Keith Bragg. Principal clarinet was Mike White (white was spelled differently though)Violin was Chris Warren. I can't remember the other names. One violin player had hers stolen during the course of the show.

Wow what an eye opener. Orchestral players don't make very much money at all considering the time that is put in. They also didn't get much time off to spend with family or to have a life. (LOTS of travel time) The conductors make almost as much as the players yearly salery for just one performance! That doesn't seem very fair to me at all. Apparently the conductors and the soloists are the draw for crowds and ticket sales. That doesn't make much sense to me since the talent of the orchestra seems very important since they provide the meat of the performance.

One trombone player was even denied being able to go to an award ceremony for him that Prince Charles was attending because he had a rehersal that day. Yikes!

If you ever have the opportunity check out the show. It was very interesting. I have a new respect for orchestra and symphony musicians.