What instrument(s) do you play?
I play violin and piano. I stopped piano lessons after grade 8 to focus on violin and I started A levels so it was getting difficult to fit everything in and still have a social life. During lockdown I’ve started playing the piano again - it has been good fun revisiting some of my old favourites.
Who is your favourite composer?
I don’t really have a favourite composer, it changes all the time and seems to reflect what I’m playing at the time. Currently I’m listening to Lalo and a lot of Bach.
Do you have a hobby that is not music related? Why do you enjoy it?
I really enjoy cooking and baking, I like trying new recipes to inflict on friends and family. I also love to travel and visit new places all over the world. To date the furthest I have been is probably Malaysia. My favourite destinations tend to be ones with historical sites, for example Rome. I also love spectacular and interesting scenery, I recommend Iceland for its breathtaking and sometimes volatile landscape.
Why do you like being in CSYO?
I’ve been a member of CSYO for 8 years now; I joined when I was about 12 and I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. One of the great things about CSYO is the range and challenge of the repertoire we play - it’s pretty impressive for a youth orchestra.
What other music groups do you take part in?
I’ve just completed my first year at RNCM, so a lot of my time is spent playing with various college ensembles, large and small. I’ve also done some external work, including paid performances, as well as outreach work with school groups.
What is your favourite memory of being in CSYO so far?
I enjoy every CSYO course immensely, we all work hard and it is quite intensive, but we have a lot of fun too. Tours are the best; we get to explore new places, meet new audiences, and play new and often spectacular venues. It’s a great time to spend with friends making music and memories, especially now that we are scattered around the country at university.
What was your favourite performance with CSYO?
My favourite performance to date has to be Rimsky Korsakov’s Scheherezade. I was lucky enough to lead the orchestra for that performance, the opportunity to learn and perform the solo parts was such a fantastic experience.
Which piece is at the top of your wishlist to play with CSYO and why?
I would love to play Symphonie Fantastique by Berlioz. We were to be playing this on our 2020 Summer tour to Germany. Unfortunately the covid pandemic stopped that.
What are your plans/hopes/dreams for the future?
I enjoy all aspects of playing, I’m keeping an open mind about exactly where it takes me in the future.