Patrick King has recently accepted the post of Co-Principal Timpanist of the London Symphony Orchestra. Patrick is also Head of Percussion Performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, a post he has held since 2018.
Previously he was Principal Timpanist of Welsh National Opera from 2008-2022.

Patrick studied at the Royal College of Music and on graduating received the Director’s Prize for musical contribution. While at the RCM he was a member of The European Union Youth Orchestra, and then went on to a freelance career which involved playing with the majority of orchestras throughout the UK. Patrick was percussion finalist in the BBC Young Musician of the Year in 2001, and winner of the London Symphony Orchestra St Luke’s Academy.

In his role at RWCMD, the percussion department has grown into a thriving hub of activity. Patrick oversees a fantastic team of tutors which cover every facet of the music industry, facilitates regular masterclasses from visiting professionals, and provides constant opportunities for collaboration both within the college and external engagements for the students. Highlights include ‘The Big Bash’, a percussion day unique to RWCMD aimed at young percussionists from beginner to grade 8 and has included guest masterclasses and concerts from Colin Currie and O Duo. 

As an educator, Patrick has tutored the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain Patrick has given masterclasses throughout the UK, including the RCM Day of Percussion. Equally passionate about outreach work, Patrick is artistic director of Children’s Musical Adventures, a company devoted to music for young people. Patrick is an ambassador for The Benedetti Foundation, and enjoys taking the joy of music to as many people as possible.