Charles Miller
Charles Miller, Principal Bassoon, from London, but I’ve been in Northern Ireland for 35 years! Studied at Trinity College, London, first as a Junior Exhibitioner and later full – time, joined the Ulster Orchestra in 1973.
Earliest Musical Memory?
Hearing my brother practising the trombone – in the bathroom! He played so loudly that you could hear it echoing all over the neighbourhood.
Who were your most important musical influences?
I was a great fan of Archie Camden who brought the bassoon into prominence with recordings in the 1950s and 60s.
What would you be if not a musician?
Probably a mechanical engineer, I like all gadgets, indeed, the bassoon could be seen as the ultimate gadget!
What is your most memorable moment with the Ulster Orchestra so far?
When we used to tour, playing around the world in Korea, Hong Kong and the USA, also of course, the Royal Albert Hall for the London Proms.
What’s the most difficult aspect of the bassoon?
All instruments are difficult after a certain stage, but finger technique and fast tongueing need regular practise.
Most inspiring composer?
Mozart wrote some fabulous bassoon parts as did Ravel
Do you perform is any other groups?
Not regularly, but occasionally we’ll perform wind octets, which is good fun.
What’s in your cd player right now?
You mean iPod of course? I’ve got most things from Dave Brubeck and Leonard Bernstein to classic radio comedy shows and documentarys.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Most of my time is taken up with my instrument repair business, Priory Woodwind Repairs www.priorywoodwind.co.uk which I’ve been doing for over 25 years, but I like walking, sailing and tinkering with my 1954 Morris Minor.