Born in London, Billy Cole studied double bass at the Royal Academy of Music. After graduating, he began freelancing in orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra and London Contemporary Orchestra and in 2015 was appointed as Principal Double Bass in the Ulster Orchestra. He has continued to work as a guest principal in the UK and Ireland with the RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, CBSO and further afield with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.

In addition to orchestral work, Billy is a keen enthusiast for both chamber music, with performances in venues such as London’s Wigmore Hall, and for contemporary music, having premiered a number of new works written for him.