I began my musical journey as a chorister at St. John’s College, Cambridge, under the direction of Andrew Nethsingha, and this training has shaped my musical career since. I first heard the bassoon as a chorister and took to it immediately. Since then, I have always explored music as a multi-disciplinarian. Alongside the bassoon, I am a conductor, organist, singer, pianist, and I play the piano.
I began my musical journey as a chorister at St. John’s College, Cambridge, under the direction of Andrew Nethsingha, and this training has shaped my musical career since. I first heard the bassoon as a chorister and took to it immediately. Since then, I have always explored music as a multi-disciplinarian. Alongside the bassoon, I am a conductor, organist, singer, pianist, and I play the piano.
I went on to study at the Junior Royal College of Music, where I started to learn about orchestral playing. I also studied singing and conducting. I then went to Robinson College in Cambridge where I did a lot of playing and conducting. I won second place in Cambridge University Musical Society Concerto Competition and conducted the Cambridge University Symphony Orchestra and many of the University operas, including Weber’s
Der Freischütz.
I then came back to the Royal College of Music to study for my Masters of Music in bassoon and conducting. Alongside, I focused academic studies on looking at the influence of singing on bassoon playing. At College I learned with Emily Hultmark, Joost Bosdijk and Andrea di Flammineis, and baroque bassoon with Wouter Verschuren. At College, I was a Leverhulme Arts Scholar, a Drake Calleja Trust Scholar, a recipient of the Countess of Munster Trust, and a Henry Wood Trust beneficiary.
As a player, as well as orchestral playing, I love solo performing and playing chamber music. I have been lucky to perform solo at the Wigmore Hall, Royal College of Music, Gray’s Inn, and various Cambridge Colleges, as well as in the presence of Sir Mark Elder at the Cambridge Honorary Degree Ceremony. Although not often seen as one, I really believe the bassoon can be a solo instrument – the sound it produces is so special and beautiful. Therefore, whenever I perform, I always see it as my duty to promote this wonderful, but rare instrument.
Outside music, I love being outdoors, particularly walking and mountain hiking. I also enjoy learning new languages and cultures, especially when I am travelling.
EDUCATION
Royal College of Music
London, UK
Robinson College
University of Cambridge
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What is your favourite piece of music and why do you love it?
A tough question! I think I would have to say my all-time favourite piece is Bach’s St Matthew Passion. I think it was one of the most incredible works of art ever created. The music is extraordinary, and Bach is able to create such appropriate music to match the drama of the words. Furthermore, I particularly like music that combines vocal and instrumental.
What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?
I love being outdoors! Walking, hiking, running, particularly when I combine it with travel and learning new languages!
OTHER PROJECTS
Director of Music
Christ Church, Streatham
Musical Director
Campanile Chamber Choir
