Meet the Musicians: Amy Harman

Amy Harman introduces a programme of 20th and 21st century music featuring the bassoon

After a failed early career as a cellist, Amy has had much better success as a bassoonist. Former Principal Bassoon with the Philharmonia Orchestra, she is now Principal of English National Opera and the Aurora Orchestra, as well as a member of Ensemble 360. A particular highlight has been performing with Birmingham Opera as a ‘flying soloist’ from a trapeze suspended above the audience.

Amy’s chosen to include Roxanna Panufnik’s 'Cantator and Amanda' in this programme, which tells the story of an ill-fated love affair between a 14th-century monk and the young maiden Amanda. She will also introduce Nielsen’s Wind Quintet, an entertaining piece that captures the character of the musicians he wrote it for, including a wonderful ‘argument’ between the bassoon and clarinet.

Performers

Amy Harman (Bassoon) and Ensemble 360

Programme

• BRITTEN: Phantasy Quartet Op.2 for oboe, violin, viola and cello
• PANUFNIK: Cantator and Amanda for bassoon and string quartet
• NIELSEN: Wind Quintet Op.43