Meet the Musician | Samantha Wickramasinghe

What do you love most about being a professional musician?

Probably the never-ending learning experience. I constantly grow every time I step on stage, and that is a humbling, overwhelming and addictive way to live.

Can you tell us a bit about your violin?

My violin is a Tommaso Carcassi. She was ‘born’ in 1746 in Florence at a time when some of the world’s greatest string instrument makers were in their heyday. I still spend huge amounts of time gazing at her beautiful wood and craftsmanship, wondering at all the players before me who made up part of her history.

What do you think a symphony concert will look and sound like 50 years from now?

I hope it will still be a live experience with real human beings! I fear there could be an attempted overtake by robots or AI! But I think humanity lies at the heart of all great art, and so worst-case scenario, I think we will have come full circle back to live performance. It never fails.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 things would choose to have with you?

Wine, sunscreen and the complete works of JS Bach, Mozart and Beethoven (is that 5?!).

What was it like performing with stars such as Elton John, Rod Stewart and Wynton Marsalis?

They were all gracious, supremely talented and generous artists. Performing with Sir Elton was one of the first gigs I did in London, aged 18. It was on stage at the stunning Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (little did I know that building would basically become my “office” for 15 years), filmed by the BBC – I could hardly believe my luck back then!

Who has been your greatest inspiration?

Honestly, my colleagues. Day in and day out, someone I sit near on stage quietly blows my mind with their talent and expressive soul. It is a daily privilege and I feel so lucky to do what I do.

Samantha's Chair is supported by The Baker Family through the Duet program.