Biography
In 2012, bassoonist Rebecca was awarded a scholarship to study on the master’s orchestral course at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Graham Sheen, Helen Simons, Gordon Laing and Martin Field. Prior to this, Rebecca graduated with first class honours from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying with Meyrick Alexander, Martin Bowen, Steve Marsden and contrabassoon with Chris Vale.
During her studies, Rebecca won the Three Choirs Festival Ensemble Prize, Howarth Double Reed Prize, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama’s Concerto Prize, June Emerson Wind Ensemble Launchpad Prize and the Abergavenny Eisteddfod.
Rebecca has worked with various orchestras including the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera, Orchestra of the Swan, Royal Shakespeare Company, Orpheus Sinfonia and the Armonico Consort. She was contrabassoonist with the Young Musician’s Symphony Orchestra and has participated in side-by-side schemes with the Philharmonia Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
As a soloist, Rebecca has performed concertos with the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama Chamber Orchestra, the Sinfonia of Birmingham, the Leamington Chamber Orchestra and the St Bartholomew’s Orchestra, London. Also a keen chamber musician, Rebecca is a founding member of the Aquilon Ensemble. This has led to performances on BBC Radio 3, UK and European tours and coaching from Andrew Marriner, Francois Leleux, Sarah Burnett and Neil Black.
Future engagements include the Nino Rota Bassoon Concerto with Chandos Symphony Orchestra and Weber’s Bassoon Concerto with the Inkberrow Sinfonia.
QUCIKFIRE QUESTIONS
What do you love about classical music?
I love the variety of styles and genres we have under the umbrella of classical music. Composers are very creative and innovative with their melodic ideas. I enjoy playing really great pieces of music.
What is your favourite piece of music, and why do you love it?
Brahms Symphony No.3 – it’s such a great piece on many levels! It has some lovely melodies and Brahms writes really well for the orchestra, the wind parts in particular are very enjoyable to play. I heard it performed for the first time by the Philharmonia Orchestra and came away thinking ‘I have to learn this’!
Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us
When I was younger I did a lot of swimming, I belonged to a club and trained regularly. At the time I aspired to compete in the Olympics and swim for Team GB! Swimming is still an important part of my life and I’m currently swimming the length of the English Channel in my local pool in my spare time.