Susanna Candlin joined the London Mozart Players in 1987
Where else do you teach/play?
I teach the piano to David Angel's two boys (who are doing brilliantly - but David, could you make sure that they cut their nails before the lesson?). I freelance mainly in London but have been known to attempt symphony orchestra repertoire elsewhere. Recently I have been doing some playing with the Liverpool Phil - I was there the night that Liverpool won the Champions' League and the day of their parade through the streets. Nobody came to the concert.
Where were you born?
Clapham, London.
How old were you when you started playing, and why did you take up the violin?
I was eight years old. I don't remember ever actually wanting to play the violin. I think my mother decided that it would suit me.
What has been your most fun/interesting musical experience so far?
Meeting Alan Titchmarsh in Portsmouth. He was introducing a concert the LMP was giving as part of the Battle of Trafalgar bicentenary celebrations. He was just so nice I didn't have the heart to ask him about my gardening problems.
Who have you enjoyed working with the most and why?
In the LMP, Vernon Handley, whom we've worked with a couple of times now. He is an incredibly knowledgeable and intelligent musician as well as being a very charming man, from the 'old school' of conducting. He shows great respect for the orchestra, and has a wonderful stick technique!
Do you play any other instruments?
I play the piano. It was my first instrument until I was about 17, and I was lucky enough to study with Phyllis Sellick at the Royal College.
Do you have any hobbies you manage to fit into your spare time?
Weaving and oil-painting. Commissions undertaken. Reasonable rates.
Where is your favourite holiday destination?
France. We often camp there in the summer holidays. We camped near Avignon one Easter and our tent very nearly blew away in the Mistral. We won't be doing that again in a hurry.
What's your favourite sound?
Plink. Or maybe plunk.
