“Never give up ... and don’t lose sight of why you love music”
When did you first become involved with the Rodolfus Choir?
September 2016.
What do you remember about your first concert singing with the choir?
I can't quite remember which was my first concert, but I do remember my first rehearsal. It was at St Gabriel's Church in Pimlico; I can't be sure of what the music we were rehearsing was, but I do remember the sheer excitement at being back into a similar experience as my choral course, which was an utterly transformative experience in my life as a musician. I remember the buzz and aspiration to perform this music to the best of our abilities; a trait I still treasure with Rods to this day.
Can you pick one highlight of being a member of the choir?
Absolutely without question the mini-tour last year to Greystoke in Cumbria and Thaxted in Essex. The atmosphere of a choir on tour is like nothing else, and the marvellous opportunities we were offered, from the spell-binding concerts themselves right down to the extraordinary accommodation in Greystoke Castle and a nearby manor house, all free of charge, was a fantastic experience musically and socially; I can't wait for a similar opportunity to arise.
What are you up to now?
I am in my final year at Durham University reading Music, where I am also a keen choral and orchestral conductor, as well as singer.
If you had to pick only one song to sing for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It would have to be Bach; if I may count 'song' as 'work', then it would have to be the St John Passion; the variety and depth of the work mean it would be sincerely unlikely for me to get bored listening to and performing such a masterpiece!
Who are your top three composers, musicians or bands from the past and present?
Composers: Bach, Chopin, Rachmaninov. Performers: Karajan, Kissin, Fischer-Dieskau.
Can anyone else in your family sing?
My mother is an excellent singer, and many other members of the extended family are talented singers too.
Where would you like to be in 10 years time?
Conducting a symphony orchestra and chorus and singing in a world-class consort!
Have you any tips for young singers?
Keep working on your weaknesses; identify exactly what they are. Try to keep your chin up if auditions don't go to plan; work out exactly why they didn't work out, and keep pushing. Never give up unless you're forced to, and don't lose sight of why you love music!
We have three office dogs at The Rodolfus Foundation. What's your favourite animal and why?
I am also very fond of dogs, although don't have any myself; a golden lab and/or husky would be cool. Frogs I find are pretty interesting to watch too!
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us and for that very worthwhile advice, Ed! Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to keep up with the latest news, project information, and great content from Rodolfus HQ.