Simon Channing, flautist

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

My parents were always playing LPs of classical music – I can remember lying in bed and listening to the Brandenburg Concertos in the distance and waiting for the suspensions! I was a Chorister at King’s Cambridge, where David Willcocks was a huge influence in so many ways. I still listen to the CD’s we made of the Psalms and think that Willcocks’ interpretations were a huge influence on my music-making: having the same chord progression for each verse, but with completely different phrase lengths and emphases. Perhaps my love of poetry began here too.

Klaus Tennstedt was the most inspiring musician I have ever played for. Like Willcocks, he was a tough task-master, but the depth of his music-making and the intensity of his passion for music were incredible. He also had an amazing natural charisma on stage.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

Until last summer, I was Head of Woodwind at the Royal College of Music – a wonderful job! But the challenges posed by Covid and the changed landscape post-covid have been hugely challenging.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

My proudest moment as a flautist was playing the Dutilleux Sonatine in the Aldeburgh Festival when he was the composer in residence. He came to our rehearsal and signed my copy after the performance, beginning with ‘Congratulations.’!

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

I think everything you do and take notice of feeds into your performances.

Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?

Hard to choose just one! So a shortlist of: RCM concert hall because of so many wonderful memories of concerts with Haitink, Esa Pekka Salonen, Mackerras, Norrington, Jurowski. King’s College Chapel – if one can call it a concert venue!

Memories include singing The Dream of Gerontius with Benjamin Britten conducting, we then recorded it in The Maltings at Snape – another favourite venue.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’saudiences?

It all starts in school. So a reversal of decades of underfunding. Our politicians seem frightened of declaring any interest in classical music. What kind of leadership is that?

What is your most memorable concert experience?

Bruckner 4 with Tennstedt in the Royal Festival Hall.

What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?

Don’t let social media dominate your life.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Sitting on a bench looking out to the Summer Isles, knowing that my family are happy and well.

Simon Channing performs at this year’s Islington Festival of Music & Art in two concerts on 14 and 15 July. Full details/tickets here