He first became interested in classical music as a teenager when science A level homework suddenly seemed a lot less interesting than borrowing four records a week from the local music library, while a computer science course at the University of Southampton found strong competition from the university's extensive archive of Gramophone magazine.

Originally attracted to the late romantic repertoire, his interests rapidly took in other 19th and 20th century orchestral and operatic music, and he has recently discovered a passion for Bach and early composers such as Monteverdi and Tallis.

Following a period of overseas travel, Christian entered the transport industry and now works for a consultancy in Notting Hill. He lives in north London where he and his wife are wondering how to house his ever growing collection of music scores, books and discs.