Introducing... Holly Isherwood, Community and Education Coordinator, RPO Resound
How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?
After a couple of years of working as a freelance music teacher, I was looking for ways to start the next stage of my career. I've always admired the RPO, especially its community work, so it's great to now be part of the Orchestra’s Resound team making it all happen!
What was your first experience of orchestral music?
It feels as though orchestral music has always been present in my life in some way, but my earliest memories are of long car journeys or cooking dinner with my parents, with Classic FM on in the background. Though I often asked for my favourite audiobooks on repeat instead, I realise now how much that early exposure shaped my interest in orchestral music.
How did you find yourself on this career journey?
Before joining the RPO, I was a clarinettist, and a community music fellowship during my training at the Royal Academy of Music lit a spark within me. It was a revelation to see how music could be such a welcome tool for connection and inclusion in so many environments, and I found that I wanted to work on the ground in the community more and more. Eventually, this overtook my desire to practice the clarinet, so now I’m here!
What is the best thing about being part of the RPO family?
There’s something about the RPO that is just so friendly and vibrant. Right from my first day [in July 2024], I’ve felt a really good energy from everyone in the office team, and I love getting to know all the musicians when we’re on projects.
Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.
Whilst I always enjoy attending concerts, I get really excited by the journeys that take our musicians beyond the traditional concert stage – whether it’s to schools, prisons, hospitals, community centres, or any other place where we can make a difference. Those journeys where we can use music to touch lives and brighten days in unexpected places are my absolute favourite.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
When I was performing, it was always a banana and a Mars bar, strictly 30 minutes before every performance start time. It’s perhaps a good job that I didn’t continue that career! Now I love arriving early, settling into my seat, soaking up the audience chatter and getting ready for the show.
Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?
I’m a big fan of the Australian jazz funk band The Cat Empire. Their music is a whirlwind of toe-tapping colour, energy and joy inspired by genres from all over the world, and their recent performance at London’s Electric Ballroom was the best live music experience I’ve had in a long time. I’m yet to find someone who doesn’t love them once they hear them!
Symphonic crossover – if you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?
I would love to work on a creative music/education project with the illustrator, Quentin Blake. He has such a flair for bringing characters and stories to life, and I think a musical collaboration with him could be fascinating.
Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.
I have always enjoyed hiking and camping – it’s a lovely way to explore a place slowly, and escape the city for a while. A recent highlight for me was trek in the Himalayas, but I grew up walking our family dog in the Shropshire Hills, Wales and the Lake District, so I never feel quite right if my boots have sat in the bottom of the wardrobe for too long.
Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?
Much as I would love to share a feast of different curries and roti with Michael Palin, David Attenborough, Richard Hammond and Joanna Lumley, nothing can beat a veggie spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread with my partner, family, friends and dog.
Find out more about Holly and get to know the RPO family