− My favourite thing about seeing and hearing the Oslo Philharmonic play, being on stage or in the audience, is that you can really see and hear the trust between the musicians on stage.
Louisa Tuck
Louisa Tuck grew up with a mother who was a professional clarinetist, but seven years old, she decided she would rather play the cello. An experience in her late teens encouraged her to take it to another level:
− I remember being at the back of the Philharmonia Orchestra cello section aged about 19, hearing the principal playing the solo in Brahms’ second piano concerto, and I thought: "I want to be able to do that too” − so then I really started the hard work!
Her teacher at the Royal Academy in London, Paul Watkins, has had the greatest influence on her as a musician:
− He is my hero, as a player and as a friend. He really looked after me as a student, and showed me a personal path into the music industry, not just where to put my bow on the string. I´m proud to say he is now a good friend, and I hope he is proud of me, too!
− You can really see and hear the trust
After eight years as principal cellist of Royal Northern Sinfonia, she joined the Oslo Philharmonic as principal cellist in 2015.
− Seeing the joy in the eyes of my colleagues when we play together, finding a journey together and really being able to connect and explore something together without words, is my greatest joy as a musician. My other joy is when my father comes to concerts, and he just smiles and says “well done” with his arm around me. I love making him happy, too!
She encourages concertgoers to look for the relational aspect of the performances:
− My favourite thing about seeing and hearing the Oslo Philharmonic play, being on stage or in the audience, is that you can really see and hear the trust between the musicians on stage. Let it transport your audible and visionary senses. Music should be able to take you to a different place in many ways. We can definitely do that!
She´s already had several great musical experiences with the orchestra herself:
− I haven´t been in the orchestra for long as a performer, but I thought the Bach St. Matthew Passion, with Andy Staples singing as the Evangelist, was incredible.
Enjoys exploring Norwegian music
The music closest to her heart is from her native country, but there´s room for more:
− I´m British and I really love Elgar, Finzi and many of the early 20th century British composers. However, I´m really enjoying exploring the great canvas of Norwegian music I´m getting to know now. I also play in a folk group in the UK, with the Northumbrian piper Kathryn Tickell, so I like getting to the traditional side as well!
Besides music, Louisa loves photography and drawing.
− It is the only time I can really “switch off” from music being in my ears.
- Member since: 2015
- Born: 1983 in London
- Education: Louisa studied with Paul Watkins and Philip Sheppard at the Royal Academy of Music, and in 2011 was honoured with an ARAM award for her work in the music profession.
- Soloist work: As a soloist she has recently appeared at the Wigmore Hall and Royal Albert Hall. Concertos with the Royal Northern Sinfonia include: Barber, Britten Cello Symphony, Bernstein, Tavener, Turnage and Vivaldi.
- Recordings: Louisa has recorded as a soloist with NAXOS and Virgin Classics and a solo and chamber music disc with the Emanuel Ensemble for Champs Hill records.
- Awards: In 2011, she was honoured with an ARAM award for her work in the music profession.
- Other: Principal cello of the Royal Northern Sinfonia 2007−2015. Guest leader with the several symphonic and chamber orchestras in the UK. Most recently: CBSO and The John Wilson Orchestra. Collaborated with The Nash Ensemble, Kathryn Tickell and The Side, and Imogen Heap.