大象传媒

In this edition of ‘Instrumental Insights’ we chat with Carmel Barber from the 大象传媒 NOW First Violins. Carmel has played with 大象传媒 NOW for nearly 25 years and comes from a musical family. But what does she most love about playing her violin and what is her most memorable moment so far? Read on to find out!

大象传媒 NOW: Hi Carmel! Thanks for taking the time to chat to us for ‘Instrumental Insights’. You have been a member of 大象传媒 NOW for a whopping 25 years, so have you always been musical?

Carmel Barber: Yes! I grew up surrounded by music. My brothers, sister, and I all played piano, violin, cello and guitar as well as singing in my Dad’s choir. My Mum was a professional singer and still plays the Church organ every week, and she’s 92!

大象传媒 NOW: It’s wonderful that you have such a musical Mum! So, when did you start to play the violin Carmel?

Carmel Barber: I started playing the violin at primary school, as free lessons were provided by the local music services. My Grandfather had a violin which he bought from an antique dealer in the 1920’s so I played on his violin until I got my first job in the orchestra of WNO.

大象传媒 NOW: So, what instrument do you play on for 大象传媒 NOW?

Carmel Barber: Around 30 years ago, I had the opportunity to play a beautiful 18th Century Italian violin which I instantly fell in love with and after begging, stealing and borrowing, I decided to buy it. I’m still playing my lovely Penormo violin for 大象传媒 NOW to this day.

大象传媒 NOW: What a lovely story about your violin! If you could talk with your instrument, what would you ask it?

Carmel Barber: If I spoke to my violin - depending on what sort of day I was having! - I would say: “Thank you… you have a beautiful sound.’

大象传媒 NOW: After nearly a quarter of a century playing for 大象传媒 NOW, you must have had many funny and memorable moments, but is there one that stands out?

Carmel Barber: There’s one performance I will never forget…

大象传媒 NOW: This sounds ominous!

Carmel Barber: Well, I accidentally left my mobile phone on. Sure enough, during the second half of the concert, a mobile phone began to ring, and I realised that to my horror, that I was the idiot who had left their phone on. Luckily for me the music was quite loud and percussive, so apart from my desk partner, no one heard it... not even the conductor!

大象传媒 NOW: Phew! A close escape. What would you say to encourage younger violinists Carmel?

Carmel Barber: My advice to young players is turn off your phone before concerts! Seriously, for young players, I’d say: “Enjoy playing music with friends and family and have fun - it’s what it’s all about.”

大象传媒 NOW: That’s lovely advice. What are you most missing about performing with 大象传媒 NOW during lockdown Carmel?

Carmel Barber: I love - and miss the most now - playing music by Richard Strauss. His music is so cleverly written for all instruments, and therefore the resultant sound of a full symphony orchestra playing together is truly mind blowing!

大象传媒 NOW: Thanks for your time Carmel and look forward to seeing you soon.