Holly Reardon, born in Lancashire, began learning the bassoon at the age of twelve. She was awarded a full scholarship, as well as the Patrick Green Scholarship for bassoonists, to study with Meyrick Alexander and Nick Hunka at Birmingham Conservatoire. Holly then undertook her Masters in Orchestral Training at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, tutored by Daniel Jemison, Helen Simons and Graham Sheen, and gratefully acknowledges the financial support of The Countess of Munster Trust, The Musicians’ Benevolent Fund, The Philip Bates Trust, The South Square Trust and The Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors.
As a busy freelance bassoonist Holly has worked with professional groups such as Royal Ballet Sinfonia, Mozart Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Cymru and currently holds the Principal Bassoon chair with the orchestra of Co-Opera Co. Holly regularly travels to the island of Guernsey to perform with the various local orchestras. Holly is also a passionate baroque bassoonist, frequently working with London Baroque Sinfonia, Charivari Agreable, Ludus Baroque and most recently St James’ Sinfonia with whom she broadcast Handel’s ‘Messiah’ alongside David Hill and the BBC Singers for the closing concert of the Temple Winter Festival 2013.
A keen chamber musician, Holly is a founding member of Carter Quintet, an award-winning wind quintet primarily performing contemporary and neglected music. She is also a member of Heartwood Trio, a group of artists with the prestigious organisation Live Music Now, for which they specialise in programmes for older audiences. Away from music, Holly supports Bolton Wanderers Football Club.
What’s on your playlist right now?
Classical: Sibelius’ tone poems. Pop: Pharrell Williams ‘Happy’.
If you could play another instrument, what would it be and why?
Either the cor anglais or the french horn because of their beautiful, rich sonorities.