Erik Chapman (© David Lindsay)
Erik Chapman plays first violin in the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Erik Chapman (© David Lindsay)
Summarise your instrument
‘It’s the highest of the stringed instruments in the orchestra.’
Best thing about it?
‘Its versatility and that it is the closest instrument to the human voice.’
Worst thing about it?
‘Its expense.’
How often do you practise?
‘Four or five times a week.’
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Why did you choose the violin?
‘At school I couldn’t decide between the clarinet and the violin; by the time I got to the front of the queue they had run out of clarinets.’
Do you ever wish you played another instrument?
‘No, but I wish I was better at the piano.’
Where do you sit in the orchestra?
‘At the front, stage-right, close to the audience.’
What can you hear where you sit?
‘Everything in the orchestra and the audience.’
How much is your instrument worth?
‘Let’s just say it was made in Cremona in 1742.’
Your favourite pieces to play?
‘I really enjoy playing large-scale works like Mahler symphonies, Strauss tone poems and grand opera.’
When are you playing next in London?
‘Next Wednesday at the Royal Festival Hall, with the pianist John Lill.’
Tell us a joke about violin players
‘Why are viola jokes so short? So violinists can remember them.’
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