Music

Classically trained musician – flute, piccolo, alto flute

Fixing

Opera/orchestral events

I’m an executive co-director and woodwind fixer for Regents Opera (formerly Fulham Opera) orchestral study days (2013-) and Weekend Opera Workshops (2021-). I also fix individual orchestral musicians or whole woodwind sections on a freelance basis for various other groups and events. (Usual rate: £12/player (advance), £17 (<2 weeks notice), £22 (<2 days notice), special arrangements can be made for charities and friends.) If you are a woodwind or other instrumental player interested in future workshops or an event organiser in need of my musician fixing service, contact me.

London Flutes mailing list

I run a mailing list for amateur and semi-pro flute players in and around London, on which I forward one-off playing opportunities (mostly unpaid) as and when they occur, e.g. dep needed for short-notice rehearsal/concert cover, auxiliary players needed for large-scored work, etc. Members can email me the message that they wish to be forwarded, and I’ll send it out whenever I next have opportunity. This is a free informal service I provide for the benefit of flute players who aren’t getting as much orchestral playing as they’d like. To get the link to join the mailing list, contact me.

Performing

Background & regular playing

I read Music (and Maths) at Royal Holloway, University of London and studied flute with Simon Desorgher. My performance specialism was 20^th century repertoire and I was a founder of the university’s Contemporary Music Group. As well as playing the standard orchestral and chamber repertoire, I particularly like working with composers on new and unusual projects. I have performed the solo flute part in several world premieres, including Tamara Douglas-Morris‘s ‘The Birds‘, Stephen Dodgson‘s ‘Four poems of Mary Coleridge’ (recording coming soon), and Jocelyn Campbell‘s ‘Green Border’.

Amici Orchestra (principal flute in regular charity fundraising concerts 2008-)
London City Philharmonic (2nd flute & piccolo 2021-)
New Palace Opera (principal flute 2017-)
Saffron Opera Group (2nd flute & piccolo 2014-)
Fulham Opera (now Regents Opera) (flute in many reduced-score shows 2012-21)
Auxiliary/guest/part-time player with many other orchestras and opera/theatre companies in London and beyond, over the last 30 years!

Selected studio recordings

Peter Fender Flute or piccolo on all orchestral works on the album Speechless
Blanc Canvas Flute on ‘Positivity’ from the album Blanc Canvas
Master Pi Flute + piccolo on ‘In a Moment’ from the album Master Pi
Kat Vipers Flute + piccolo on ‘Just Like Jerry Lee’ from the album Hot Air Balloon
David Freeman Penny whistle on ‘Part Time Father’ from the album Going Out Without Makeup and ‘Good People’ (single)
David Lyon Penny whistle on ‘Birds Fly, Fish Swim’ (single)
Orchestral recording excerpts available on request.

Additional info

I love playing bass flute but do not currently have my own instrument, so borrow or hire when required – thus a little more warning is needed. I have also been known to double on various saxes, recorders, penny whistles, piano/keyboards, percussion, and sing (choral alto/tenor, backing vocals) as and when required.

I regularly conduct wind sectional rehearsals, and have experience as an assistant conductor for amateur orchestras, choruses and chamber groups.

Get in touch if you think you might want me for your music project.