Marty Wilson
Marty Wilson, Principal Trombone, from West Lothian, Scotland, studied at the Royal College of Music, London, joined the Ulster Orchestra in 1989.
Earliest musical memory?
My earliest musical memory would be my mother who sang nursery rhymes and hymns to me as a child in an effort to get me to go to sleep.
What is the best thing about being a musician?
The best thing about being a musician is probably the flexible hours and the excellent rates of pay!!
What is the most difficult aspect of your job?
Trying to find a parking space when I come to work!
Do you perform in any other groups?
Yes I have a jazz and swing band and I also run the Ulster Orchestra’s swing band who is regularly booked for corporate events and weddings etc. I aslo conduct the belfast jazz orchestra which is a full 20 piece swing band that perform every month and is very popular with the local dance culture. In many ways those concerts could be compared to to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing!
Favourite Ulster Orchestra recording?
My favourite Ulster Orchestra recording would be Mahler’s 3rd Symphony that we recorded in 1998 under Andrew Witten.
What’s in your cd player right now?
The Canadian Robert Goulet is one of my favourite singers. He has a fantastic baritone voice and was prominent in broadway and in many of the shows during the 60’s. Sadly he died recently.
What do you like to do outside of the Orchestra?
I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife is an organist and choirmistress of the local church and I have 2 boys who both play piano, trumpet and trombone. I enjoy going on short holidays, relaxing in nice hotels and swimming. I also play golf…very badly and enjoy teaching.