Rebecca Seymour from the Queensland Symphony Orchestra is the solo musician in our new show What Will Have Been, which will premiere at Norwich and Norfolk Festival in May. We spoke to Bec about the show, how it differs from playing in an orchestra and being a new mum…
1. How long have you been playing violin? Do you play any other instruments?
I’ve been playing the violin since I was 2 (and three quarters!), so a long time! I also learnt the piano and guitar.
2. How did you end up being the musician in What Will Have Been?
I received a call out of the blue late last year from Yaron, Someone had recommended me to him, and he asked if I would be interested in performing in the show. I’ve wanted to be involved in a show like this since I was a child, so I jumped at the chance.
3. Whats the biggest difference/what do you most enjoy about working with an acrobatic ensemble as opposed to an orchestra?
Most of all, I’m enjoying the opportunity to do something completely different from my job in the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Working with an acrobatic ensemble is certainly a new experience for me, and is well outside my realm of experience. I’m afforded a certain amount of freedom and flexibility with my musical choices/decisions in this production that I wouldn’t normally have as part of an orchestra. There’s some improvisation involved which is not something we orchestral musicians generally do, so that’s been extending for me. Also, there’s an element of give and take, action and reaction between myself and what I can see the acrobats doing at any given time that I’m really enjoying exploring.
4. What does a day in the life of you consist of right now?
Right now, a day in my life is full of learning. I recently became a first time Mum – my son is 4 weeks old – so every day brings something new, and sleep has become a very precious commodity! I fit practice in while my son is sleeping – luckily I have fabulous family and friends who are happy to give him a cuddle while I play. We were able to organise some of the rehearsals for WWHB before the baby arrived, and I’m about to get back into the rehearsal space with the rest of the performers next week which I’m really looking forward to. Again, I’m very lucky to have family who will watch the baby while we rehearse! It’s such a huge privilege for me to be working with the acrobats and staff at Circa. It’s very inspiring to be working with such a talented bunch of people, and I’m really loving it!
MORE DETAILS:
What Will Have Been will world premiere in the Adnams Spiegeltent in Norwich, UK as a part of the Norwich and Norfolk Festival from May 15-23, 2015. The show has completely sold out.