Paul Young
Paul Young, Principal Trumpet, studied at the Royal College of Music, London, joined the Ulster Orchestra in 1976.
Musical background?
My musical background is in the Salvation Army and my parents, grandparents and great grandparents were all involved in this organisation. My first teacher was my father who conducted the local Salvation Army band in North London where I come from.
Most inspiring composer?
Quite a number of composers have inspired me over the years but at the moment I am listening to quite a lot of Bach which is probably due to the fact that in the orchestra we have been using natural trumpets recently. These are trumpets with no valves- the sort of trumpet that Bach and his contempories would have used.
How many instruments do you have?
That natural trumpet is one of 8 instruments that I own. My collection ranges from the modern B-flat trumpet with valves and pistons through to the German rotary trumpets and the natural trumpet. I also have a few specialised instruments like cornets and piccolo trumpets.
What’s the best thing about your instrument?
The best thing about my instrument is the variety of sounds and styles that we are required to play both within the orchestra and through other activities. For example, one day we might be required to play a rotary trumpet in a very Germanic style and another day we might have to play natural trumpets, or perform in a big band idiom or brass quintet.
Do you perform in any other groups?
Yes. Most notably the “Ulster Brass Quintet”. I am also involved with playing in brass bands as well as conducting brass bands. I also do quite a lot of adjudicating and in 2006 I adjudicated in the European Brass Championships in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast.
What’s in your cd player right now
Harry Connick Jnr. Stan Kenton!!!
Most memorable moments with the UO?
There have been so many memories over the years but one particularly stands out and it was the Proms in 2005 with Thierry Fisher and we had to play the natural trumpets in music by Mendelssohn and Beethoven. To say that it was slightly scary was an understatement because I had never performed a professional engagement on the “Nat” before and to play live at the BBC proms in London was a daunting but thrilling task.
Do you ever get nervous before a concert?
Yes I do get nervous but usually I enjoy that nervousness and excitement. It is a very strange feeling but when I am very prepared and feel confident then the nerves turn into anticipation and excitement.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of the Ulster Orchestra I like to go to the gym and I enjoy eating out, going to the cinema and spending time with my family.