Oliver Pooley is a freelance percussionist and drummer, based in London. With musical tastes as diverse as his instrumental talents, he has performed at the highest level in numerous musical settings.

​

 A keen orchestral musician, Oliver has held trials for with the Philharmonia, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He also maintains a busy freelancing schedule, and has performed with orchestras such as the RTE Symphony Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia, Halle Orchestra, Gabrieli Consort, and Southbank Sinfonia, amongst others.

​

​Oliver is equally comfortable playing in a wide variety of other genres, and is considered extremely musically versatile. He is the current chairholder on the International Tour of Les Miserables, and has also played for the Cameron Mackintosh Productions of Miss Saigon and Mary Poppins. In the studio, he has recorded for John Lewis (Christmas advert), London Contemporary Orchestra, Howard Goodall, and Judith Weir, amongst others. Oliver is the Principal Percussionist and a co-founder of the award winning contemporary music group Ensemble x.y. A proud supporter of new music, he has given numerous premieres with Ensemble x.y and other ensembles, including works by Philip Glass and Thomas Ades. He is also a natural soloist, and has given solo performances at the Royal Northern College of Music, Leeds College of Music, Millenium Centre, Cardiff and St John's, Smith Square.

​

Away from performing, Oliver is very passionate about education, and holds teaching positions with Camden and Hertfordshire Music Services.