Farewell – Thomas Eisner

Fri 25 Sep, 2026

At tomorrow's concert (26 September 2026), First Violinist Thomas Eisner will take his final bow as a member of the LPO, bringing to a close a remarkable 40-year career with the Orchestra. Fellow LPO violinist Martin Höhmann reflects on Tom’s contribution to the Orchestra, his passion for music and, above all, his generosity as a colleague and friend.

‘Having played in the First Violin section alongside Tom for the past 26 years and shared a desk with him on many occasions, I have been fortunate to experience first-hand the qualities that have made him such a valued colleague and friend.

Prior to joining the Orchestra in 1986, Tom held positions with the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra in Denmark, and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. The London Philharmonic Orchestra, however, with its distinct artistic focus under Principal Conductors such as Bernard Haitink, Sir George Solti, Klaus Tennstedt, and later Kurt Masur, and of course its long-standing relationship with Glyndebourne, was a natural fit for Tom. His dedication to the London Philharmonic Orchestra extended beyond the concert platform, including service as a Director on the Orchestra’s Board during the 1990s and, more recently, on its Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee.

Tom’s enthusiasm for music, and for the London Philharmonic Orchestra itself, has always been infectious. A passionate advocate for the great Germanic repertoire, and Wagner in particular, he realised a long-held ambition in recent years by performing at the Bayreuth Festival, as well as the Bavarian State Opera. Yet his interests have never been confined to the music alone. Tom has always taken a keen interest in every aspect of the Orchestra’s life, nurturing relationships across our wider family – from fellow musicians and staff to friends, supporters and benefactors.

Perhaps Tom’s most valued quality has been his generosity towards others. Countless musicians new to the Orchestra have benefited from his warmth, support and encouragement. I will always be grateful to Tom and his wife, Jessica, for letting me stay in their home when I travelled from Germany for my trial, and for helping me feel immediately at home in both the UK and the Orchestra.

The Orchestra will not be quite the same without Tom’s unfailing enthusiasm, friendship and love of music. We all wish him the very best for his next chapter and have little doubt that we will continue to see him around for many years to come.’

Martin Höhmann, September 2026