The Sixteen Violinist Jean tells all about her favourite repertoire and the perfect last supper

What do you do to relax in your spare time?
I read, draw, walk, learn languages, and think.

If you could perform in any venue, what / where would it be?
I love playing in the Usher Hall, and at Snape Maltings.

Is there a piece you have fallen in love with since performing it with The Sixteen?
I’m already pretty much in love with most of the repertoire we do.

Does anyone in The Sixteen have any annoying or unusual habits?!
We string players look out for Harry’s special and quite tantalising way of encouraging a crescendo…

Do you have a party trick and if so, what is it?!
Other people are better at party tricks. My role is to laugh.

Who were you, or would you be nervous to meet?
I spent a whole year being terrified of my violin teacher (Manoug Parikian), until he invited me to play quartets and help him entertain some important foreign guests, at which point I realised he was a perfectly normal and delightful human being.

What do you think you would be doing if you weren’t a musician?
Not to be a musician of some sort would be unthinkable.

What would your ultimate desert island disc be?
I would rather cast myself into the sea than choose between Bach Magnificat and Beethoven String Quartet Op.74, The Harp.

What would you eat for your last supper?
Fresh bread, unsalted butter and cheese. And maybe a really good apple, or a nectarine.

And the obligatory question…What football team do you support?!
England, or any other losing team.