I recently had the pleasure of photographing professional bassoonist Olivia Martin! In addition to educating people like me about bassoons (they cost as much as a down payment on a house!) she lends the realm of bassoons a smokey sex appeal. She was cool enough to answer a few questions for this profile.
1 – How long have you been with the VSO and what other groups do you play with?
As a freelance musician, I spend a fair bit of time traveling around BC. I play Principal Bassoon in the Kamloops Symphony and 2nd Bassoon in the Vancouver Island Symphony. Locally, I play with the North Shore Sinfonia and I have been lucky enough to perform frequently with the VSO as an extra musician, as well as the occasional Vancouver Opera gig.
2 – Why the bassoon? Any other instruments?
The bassoon chose me. I wanted to play the oboe originally, but there was another student in my Grade 7 class who had her heart set on the oboe. My band teacher convinced me to try the bassoon instead. That was that.
3 – Who was your mentor or inspiration to become a musician?
My first bassoon teacher was Nancy van Oort, former Principal Bassoonist of the Victoria Symphony. She was very encouraging to me when I started out and supported me in my decision to pursue a performance degree.
4 – What is you fav thing about being a musician?
As a freelance musician I get to work with a variety of different musicians in many different settings. It’s fantastic to sit on stage accompanying amazing jazz musicians one weekend and to sit in an orchestra pit during a ballet or opera the next.
5 – What performances are you looking forward to this year?
I’m looking forward to playing the Mozart Bassoon Concerto with the KSO in their 2010/2011 Season Opener this coming Oct. Time to shop for a new dress!
