Claire Moisson, associate leader
- What do you do for a living?
- I work for a small pensions consultancy company.
- Tell us a little about the instrument you play? Do you play any other instrument?
- I play the violin and was approached, after leading a concert a few years ago, by a lady asking me to breathe some new life into the instrument that her father played, a violin made by Angelus de Toppanis in 1738. It has slightly mysterious origins, one theory suggesting it was once a viola and transformed into a violin. I am now delighted to own this violin!
My father is a wonderful pianist, so I also learnt to play the piano a little with him, but I am now very rusty. I have trouble enough keeping up with the violin!
- When did you start your musical education?
- I started playing the violin when I was 6 years old, after falling in love with a violinist (whom I called 'Mr Rabbit' because he had huge teeth) who was giving a performance at the school where my father taught. If Mr Rabbit reads this and recognises himself (!), then a big thank you for prompting me to begin what has been such a wonderful part of my life.
- How long have you been with the CCO?
- I think I started playing with the CCO in 1997, after being encouraged to join by my then boyfriend. The boyfriend has long since departed, but the CCO remains… perfect!
- What has been your favourite CCO concert?
- Our concert with Brahms 3 last year, which moved Alan and most of us to tears.
- Which piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
- This is very difficult, as I love playing many pieces, from Mozart to Shostakovich and beyond! Anything which is physically enjoyable to play (falls nicely under the fingers) and which I can really get involved with emotionally.
- If you could take a recording of one piece of music to a desert island, what would it be?
- If I were allowed a whole opera, I would take Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, my all time favourite. Or perhaps Dance the Night Away by the Mavericks… my 'feel good' song!
- Who are your musical heroes?
- Mozart, Shostakovich, my father, Alan Hazeldine, Plácido Domingo… to name but a few.
- When was the last time you attended a concert as one of the audience?
- A few weeks ago: First night of the Proms.
- What do you listen to in the car?
- I don’t have a car, but end up humming all sorts while walking.
- What are your other interests?
- I have many, but I love dancing, walking, sewing and reading (and most other 18th century ladies' pastimes!)