We are WASO - Alan Tyrrell
30.01.2020
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of an organisation like WASO? We’ve decided to draw back the curtain and introduce you to some of our incredible admin team, without whom the concerts you enjoy would not be brought to life.
Name: Alan Tyrrell
Job Title: Artistic Planning Manager
Time with WASO: 11 years
What are the main responsibilities of your role?
I’m mainly responsible for the planning and programming of select WASO concerts and assisting in the broader planning of each season. I also provide artistic support to the wider WASO team.
What do you love most about working at WASO?
I count myself incredibly lucky to be surrounded by our amazing orchestral musicians, conductors and visiting artists. My job really is a privileged position and it’s definitely not lost on me. I also love that everybody I work with is so passionate about what we do.
Do you have a favourite or memorable WASO concert?
Ha ha, this is the “pick your favourite child” question.
I honestly think that our performance of Tristan und Isolde in 2018 was the greatest musical experience of my life, five hours have never gone by so quickly. Asher Fisch, the outstanding cast and all the work that went into delivering this performance made it even more special. Asher’s Mahler 2 in 2015 is also a great memory for me.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Any time with my family or time or on the golf course keeps me very happy. I love taking my dog for an ocean swim too.
Do you have a favourite composer or piece of music?
That’s too tough! Mahler, Strauss and Brahms are among my go-to composers, so I’m very lucky that they’re also Asher Fisch’s shtick too. I’m just as happy listening to jazz though and can listen to Michael Brecker all day.
If you could choose to do any other job in the company what would it be?
That’s easy, Principal Trumpet. They get such great solos and exciting parts.
Favourite travel destination or somewhere you can’t wait to visit and why?
I love visiting the French Riviera, which has everything I could want for a relaxing holiday. I miss skiing too, I used to go every year many moons ago. Right now I’m looking forward to taking my family to America in 2021.
