Hugh grew up in Sydney, Australia, where he studied with Alex Henery. He then went on to work as a Guest Principal with the London Symphony Orchestra, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Hallé, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Collective, Opera North and Sydney Camerata. In 2018 Hugh became Sub-Principal bass of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 2014 became the Associate Principal of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. He is also a keen soloist and chamber musician, performing in festivals throughout the world.