Cor Anglais

As part of my studies at both the RSAMD and RCM, I received regular specialist lessons on cor anglais, from Steven West of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Imogen Smith of the BBC Symphony Orchestra.  These lessons led me to develop a particular enjoyment of the cor anglais – the sound being more mellow and dark than the oboe, and the orchestral repertoire containing some exceptionally long and beautiful solos for the instrument.  As a result of this I have always taken every opportunity to play it, both in a solo and orchestral capacity.

While playing with the OML I had the fortune to play some of the great solos from the repertoire, including those from Ravel’s Piano Concerto, Rodrigo’s Guitar Concerto, Berlioz’s Roman Carnival Overture, Dvorak’s New World Symphony, most of Mahler’s symphonic works and Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring.  One of the most enjoyable concerts I played on the cor anglais was a concerto-style performance of Britten’s ‘Lord Melbourne’ from his suite ‘A Time There Was’.  I also played the cor anglais many times for chamber music groups, performing Copland’s Quiet City with trumpet and strings, Francaix’s Quartet with strings and Pasculli’s Theme and Variations for cor anglais and harp.

In 2013 I won a trial with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic as principal cor anglais player and in 2014 a trial for cor anglais/second oboe in the English National Ballet.  Recently I made a solo cor anglais recording for the EMI sound library for TV/film/advert backing music.

I would like to continue to use and develop my skills on the cor anglais, applying for orchestral jobs, freelancing and using it in chamber music settings.  I would also be happy to give lessons, either alongside the oboe or lessons specifically aimed towards developing the skills that are unique to the instrument – including essential reed-making knowledge.  So please do contact me, whether you are looking for regular lessons or simply a consultation lesson to help with auditions, orchestral passages or reed making.