Farewell Lorna

When did music first come into your life, and what inspired you to play clarinet?

My grandfather lived with us when I was a young child. He was an amateur conductor and conducted a lot of bands both in America when he lived there, and also in Scotland. It wasn’t unusual to see him arranging and composing music as well as teaching the clarinet at home on Saturday mornings.

I thought some of the students sounded really good and I wanted to play like them, so as soon as my hands were big enough, I started lessons too.

Do you have any favourite or special memories over your 33 years with the orchestra?

There have been so many fun and special times. Apart from day-to-day jokes and general hijinks in the Green Room (there are some good comedians in our midst), tours were always enjoyable. It would be good for the orchestra to be able to tour more.

How about favourite performances?

I always remember touring Germany with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Alfred Brendel playing the five Beethoven Piano Concertos. What a pianist! Pinchas Zukerman's concerts with WASO were amazing too. I love opera and I had the pleasure of playing for Joan Sutherland with Richard Bonynge conducting, as well as performances with Kiri Te Kanawa and Plácido Domingo. I have particularly fond memories of performing Fidelio and Tristan und Isolde, both with Asher Fisch.

What's the best thing about being a musician in WASO?

Apart from the wonderful music making, WASO is like a large extended family. The players respect and support each other and I've made many good friends over the years.

One thing I'll miss when I leave is sitting in the middle of the orchestra. With the brass behind and strings in front, there's nothing like being totally immersed in the sound of a great orchestra in full flight. I look forward to finding a favourite seat in the audience next year.

What’s in store for your retirement?

I intend on remaining active in the music scene, but I also think there will definitely be a few cruises on the horizon.