Introducing... Patrick Flanaghan, Principal Cor Anglais
How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?
I auditioned for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014 and won a trial, which involved coming into the Orchestra and playing in a wide range of programmes. In March 2016, I was delighted to be offered a position with the RPO, and I officially started in August of that year.
What was your first experience of orchestral music?
I’m not entirely sure. Growing up, all I wanted to be was an athlete and to compete at the Olympics. I do seem to remember a performance of Britten’s The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra being an early experience of orchestral music, though. Also, when I was a chorister, we performed several works with orchestra, which was always exciting.
How did you find yourself on this career journey?
I had to learn an instrument when I was a chorister at Salisbury Cathedral. I’d heard an oboe on the radio and something about the sound resonated with me. Having attended The Purcell School and Royal Academy of Music, I moved to Germany for my postgraduate studies and never looked back. After 10 years in Germany, moving back to London for the RPO job was a dream come true.
What is the best thing about being part of the RPO family?
Fundamentally, the camaraderie. We work incredibly hard and perform many concerts in multiple genres across different continents. Regardless of how tired people are or however bad a journey might have been, the energy and musicality on stage during the concert never ceases to amaze me.
Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.
We are so privileged to be able to tour the world playing music we love. A favourite journey for me was my first Germany tour with the RPO, going back to the country I’d lived and worked in for so long and performing in venues I know so well but this time with the RPO and my wonderful colleagues – a very proud moment for me.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
I don’t. As we play at so many different venues in the UK and around the world, I try to avoid getting into a particular ritual as it’s very possible that a certain food or drink wouldn’t be available. And I try and avoid anything superstitious – a colleague in Germany would always put his left concert shoe on first, for example, and I cannot be starting down that route!
Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?
I’m torn between Chet Baker, Shostakovich and Prokofiev. There is something about Chet Baker’s voice that is wonderfully fragile yet sonorous, an incredible combination. And yet I would be happy playing the music of Shostakovich or Prokofiev for the rest of my career! Both composers are so powerful and emotive.
Symphonic crossover – if you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?
In my time at the RPO, we’ve done some recording projects that would almost tick this box – I’m thinking of our albums with Johnny Cash, The Beach Boys and The Carpenters. However, I would love to do a stadium concert with Muse – that would be unforgettable.
Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.
Basically anything sport related. I enjoy running, but if there’s rugby, cricket or athletics to watch, I’m hooked! I think there are a lot of similarities between music and sport in the dedication and commitment required. Also, in team sport you see the same bond, togetherness and strength on the pitch that we have on stage.
Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?
Michael Johnson, Caroline Wozniacki, Tony Hawks, Keith Wood and Freddie Flintoff. I’d cook a Sunday roast - a juicy joint of beef – and all the trimmings – plus a few bottles of red.
Patrick gratefully acknowledges the support of his Chair Patrons, Tim Cagney and David Wilson.