British classical cellist.

David Smith studied at the Royal Academy of Music and then became a member of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Subsequently he devoted his time to chamber music and continuo playing, which led to performances with Yehudi Menuhin, Neville Marriner, Roger Norrington, John Eliot Gardiner and Paul Steinitz, and to his joining the the Alberni String Quartet. In over 30 years as a member of the quartet he has performed worldwide and has also gained a reputation for his teaching and coaching.

David is Professor of Cello and Chamber Music at the Royal Academy of Music, where he also runs the LRAM Art of Teaching course for undergraduate and postgraduate cello students. He is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.