Meet Englishman and Singapore Symphony Orchestra's music maestro David Smith
DAVID SMITH retraces his multi-cultural musical journey from Europe to Asia to his current gig with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
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DS: As Associate Principal Trumpet at the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SS0), I rehearse daily and perform at least once a week. As Lecturer of Trumpet at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, I share my knowledge and experiences with students while nurturing and managing their expectations. I'm also Managing Director of Partners In Brass, President of the Brass Society and Festival Director of Brass Explosion.
TF: What influenced you in your career?
DS: I come from a family of brass band musicians - my father's a cornet player and my older brother played the horn. Growing up in the UK, I joined a brass band at 10 years of age. When I turned 15 I joined the Desford Colliery Band, a brass ensemble established 100 years ago. I was always best at playing the trumpet! I furthered my studies at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music in London.
TF: Was there a "big break" moment?
DS: My first orchestral break was filling in for a performer who was ill. Next, a trumpeter trapped his fingers in a car door and once again I was called in - at the last minute - to perform with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. Of course, talent and dedication plays a big part in establishing a professional music career but there's also luck and timing involved.
TF: How do other orchestras differ from the SSO?
DS: While all orchestras operate similarly in terms of job specification and work load, they differ in spirit and musical outlook. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra is full of energy - a refreshing change from some orchestras I've played in. The Orchestra keeps getting better and we play a great repertoire in an amazing hall in a city I call home.
TF: Can young musicians grow and prosper in Singapore?
DS: Singapore's a rapidly changing and progressive country with private and Government support for the arts. Schools have a healthy number of musicians in their local brass bands, and the music colleges and institutions are doing a great job. I see a bright future for musicians here.
TF: What do you love about living in Singapore?
DS: I have balance in Singapore. I enjoy the cultural diversity, lifestyle, regional travel and the weather. We have amazing hotels to spend a relaxing weekend at and I enjoy a swim at the end of the day. I've learnt to explore and absorb all Singapore has to offer.
Brass Society (Singapore) is a platform for brass musicians to learn, teach and perform. The organisation also hosts Singapore Brass Explosion, an annual international brass music festival showcasing performances from internationally-renowned brass musicians. www.brasssociety.com
Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts trains talented youths in the fields of art, design, music, dance and drama. www.nafa.edu.sg
Partners In Brass gives children access to brass musicianship teaching while developing their skills to pursue a career in music. www.partnersinbrass.com
Singapore Symphony Orchestra performs all-time favourites, orchestral masterpieces and exciting cutting-edge premieres. www.sso.org.sg
Posted Aug 2011
