Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

So this is the first in a new series of blog posts springboarding from our brand new pictures which feature members of the OAE audience. In each we’ll profile both audience and orchestra member and also show a wider selection of pictures of each. First up is Greg, who posed with OAE violinist Debbie.

Greg (T) (as we have two Greg’s in the brochure!)

Tell us a bit about you, your work and hobbies.

I work as an Occupational Therapist in a Community setting.  My main role is to help increase people’s self reliance in daily activities and to to reduce risk.  This can be after an illness or accident or indeed at end of life to ensure safety, dignity and comfort.   A large part of what I do is reablement, working with improving self confidence and functional ability as well as adapting the physical “home” environment.  It’s a very rewarding job and I’m fortunate to have chosen a career with many areas of exploration and specialism.

I am also in my final year of training to become a Shiatsu Practitioner with the The Shiatsu College, London.  A wonderful treatment modality with a rich history that allows people to connect on deep levels.  In my spare time I practice Ashtanga and Jivamukti Yoga and am learning to play the Piano Accordion.

How did you hear about the Not all audiences are the same campaign?

I discovered the OAE were looking for fans to be part of the marketing campaign on Facebook.  Without much thinking I took a snap on my phone and that was that.  In for a penny, In for a pound I thought.  I was surprised and delighted to be chosen.

How was the experience of doing the photoshoot?

I had a fantastic time.  A sense of being plucked from one life and dropped into another – for a few short hours.  Then I was back at work writing reports and arranging appointments.  Surreal and terrific fun!  Everyone was very friendly.  Eric Richmond was the consumate professional and ensured the feeling in the room was light and creative.  My ego was well and truly massaged that day.

Tell us about what you were wearing for the shoot.

Not being a natural style icon, I decided to go for something that I wear a lot of the time because it’s what I feel comfortable in.   My very favourite jacket and a sturdy/robust pair of Australian “R.M. Williams” boots.

 How would you describe the OAE to a friend?

I would say the OAE have an integrity and an “honouring” about what they do.  They respect the composers and what has gone before, bringing well known (and not so well known) harmonies into the 21st Century in a way that is accessible, still retaining what is historic but keeping it vital and dynamic.

How would you say the OAE is different to other Orchestras?

The main difference for me is that when I listen to the OAE I always feel like I’m being transported back in time, and that what I am hearing is very precious.  It’s definitely a Zen thing.

If you’ve been to an OAE concert recently tell us a little about it.

I attended the Spinal Chords second performance (London premiere) in February.  I found the piece very moving and it was an honour to be present.   I have worked with people in my […]