Diane Clark
Principal Flute
Diane has been delighting audiences in venues across the UK and abroad since 1989. Her success as winner of the Young Artist of the Year competition in 1993 led to her debut recital in Symphony Hall, Birmingham, which was met with high critical acclaim. She has subsequently appeared at major venues, music clubs and festivals, and on BBC television and radio.
With the Orchestra of the Swan Diane has enjoyed opportunities to perform concertos including the premiere of Joe Cutler’s concertante in April 2007. A busy chamber musician, she performs regularly in a flute and harp duo, with a wind quintet and in ‘Two-Tone’ (flute and clarinet). She also loves working in the theatre including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
As well as being Principal Flute of the Orchestra of the Swan, Birmingham Opera Company and Mid-Wales Opera Ensemble, she is in much demand as a freelance orchestral player, performing with other leading orchestras including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Birmingham Contemporary Music Group. She has worked under eminent conductors including Sir Simon Rattle and Pierre Boulez.
Diane believes passionately in sharing her music with all people. Along with many education projects she is actively involved with outreach work organized by the Orchestra of the Swan, extending the concert platform to a wider audience.
Started playing aged: 11
Training:
Initially Uncle George! Then Royal Northern College of Music and also study with Collin Lilley and Kevin Gowland.
Why did you choose your instrument?
Uncle George asked me if I would like to learn the flute and I immediately replied, "yes please!" That was that!
Other work:
I'm involved with quite a lot of OOTS' education work but also teach, participate in a lot of chamber music and freelance with other orchestras.
How did you get involved in playing with OOTS?
I met David Curtis (Artistic Director) in St Mary's Church, Warwick whilst rehearsing for a concert. He introduced himself to me and soon afterwards invited me to play in the orchestra.
What are some of your best and worst experiences playing with OOTS?
I think one of the worst has to be driving over half way to Stratford before realising I hadn't got my flute! There have been many highlights - lots of concerts that have really left me buzzing, performing Mozart's Flute and Harp Concerto and Bach's B minor suite as well as thoroughly enjoying the live & rural chamber music concerts and outreach and education projects.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Working out in the gym, walking - includes timed climbs up Snowdon! Also swimming and reading.
If you weren't a musician, what would you like to be instead?
Lots of other things interest me - biomechanics and physio-rehabilitation, but I'm also interested in reflexology and sports massage so would perhaps be a personal training instructor!
What was your best tour experience?
I think it was in Aporto - being introduced to white port!
Who has been the biggest influence on your career?
My Dad and Mum
What is your favourite film or book?
Difficult question! - allthough I do watch Wonderful Life every year (with a box of tissues!) I like a wide range of books and films - court case dramas, thrillers and the odd romance! I've recently enjoyed reading Paula Radciffe's inspiring autobiography.
How do you deal with pre-concert nerves?
I talk to myself and try to channel nervous energy into excitement or positive energy.
Any bad playing experiences?
At an outdoor performance of Mozart's Magic Flute; at the beginning of the final March (flute solo) a HUGE and disgusting moth decided to land on the lip-plate of my flute. I continued to play whilst trying to shake it off (looked as though I was really into the music!!) and only able to sniff small amounts of air in as I was scared of swallowing it!
What make of instrument do you play?
A Brannen Cooper silver flute hand made by "Brannen Bros" in America.
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