Music
Violinist Tasmin Little (interview)
20th March 2008One of the best things about being the Herald’s Classical Music Writer, apart from the concerts and operas I get to see, is the chance to meet all kinds of performers and ensembles, both local and international.
On the current UK classical scene, violinist Tasmin Little has become a household name, both on the concert platform, and through her twenty-three recordings.
Tasmin was the guest soloist with Plymouth Symphony Orchestra this week, and I was able to ask her a few questions before she donned a most vivid green dress for the performance.
As Tasmin has recently played the same concerto with a number of top orchestras, including the CBSO, I was intrigued to know her thoughts on working with our own local orchestra.
Tasmin was most complimentary about them, and certainly enjoyed the rehearsal the night before. She chose the Mendelssohn concerto because, not only was it one of her favourites, but it was currently in her repertoire.
This is important, because, with such a busy schedule, there’s a limit to what you can keep ready and practised at any one time.
Tasmin said she had played in the Pavilions, some years back, with the BSO, but liked the acoustics of the Guildhall, even though she’d only experienced it empty, and was keen to see how an audience would affect the sound.
I was interested to hear about Tasmin’s future plans, and, apart from a major recital with pianist, Piers Lane, the next project will be recording a documentary for ITV’s South Bank Show, due to be screened on June 15.
Tasmin hoped that, if people enjoyed her playing, they would put June 15 in their diary and tune in then.
Finally, when asked about her time in the city, Tasmin replied that, while she was having a good look the centre during the day, she felt a number of people were looking as if they recognised her from somewhere.
I suggested that some of these might hopefully have been regular readers of my weekly Classical Music update in the Herald, or visitors to What’s On South West, where her picture had both featured recently.
Tasmin agreed that this was the most likely explanation, as I left her to get ready for the performance.
I was also able to ask PSO’s conductor, Anne Kimber, if she was enjoying working with Tasmin. Anne said that, from the very first note, everyone knew that it was going to be a special performance on the night, and a great learning experience for the orchestra too.
PHILIP R BUTTALL
Click here to read Philip R Buttall's review of the Plymouth Symphony Orchestra and Tasmin Little at the Guildhall.
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