British cellist Hetty Snell has been Principal Cello of the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House since 2018. She previously held positions with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Alongside her orchestral work, Hetty enjoys a varied freelance career, appearing regularly as guest principal with leading ensembles across the UK, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and BBC Symphony Orchestra. In May 2023, she performed at the Coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey.

Her work also extends into recording and studio projects, collaborating with artists such as Take That and Coldplay, and contributing to major film soundtracks including Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning and 28 Years Later.

In 2020, Hetty performed the solo cello role in the premiere of Cathy Marston’s ballet The Cellist at the Royal Opera House, returning to the role in 2023 to widespread critical acclaim.