Miriam is the Orchestra's Marketing and Box Office Assistant
How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?
My journey with RPO started last summer (2022) when I landed the Marketing and Box Office Assistant job.
What was your first experience of orchestral music?
My passion for studying and producing film music (during my degree) definitely played a big part in my love of orchestral music. Having produced a 30-minute portfolio of film compositions, it was a great way to understand how an orchestra works and how this particular type of music is pieced together.
How did you find yourself on this career journey?
Before I became part of the RPO, I had accepted a place at the Royal College of Music (RCM) to study film composition. Not too long after, I saw the position at the RPO was advertised and decided to leave my place at RCM and join the RPO family instead. Having already experienced so much over the last few months, I definitely made the right choice!
What is the best thing about being part of the RPO family?
The best thing about being part of the RPO family is most definitely the people. Meeting individuals from all walks of life, and yet sharing the same musical passion is something I hold very close to my heart. I have learnt so much from all kinds of people, and I am so grateful to have experienced that.
Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.
My favourite journey so far has been working with RPO Resound. I found it so interesting to see how an orchestra can easily adapt itself to a more relaxed environment and interact with audience members. It’s very unusual and rare to see, but it works so well.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
I enjoy reading programmes prior to a concert. Gaining additional knowledge about the artist and the music played has really changed the way I hear the performances. You really begin to understand the intentions behind the pieces, and I think that is so important.
Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?
Alexandre Desplat – any Harry Potter fans out there would understand this with no explanation needed. I find his way to articulate emotions through music completely remarkable… his music in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is most definitely worth a listen.
Symphonic crossover – if you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?
Nick Drake! Any acoustic music accompanied by strings is to me the most beautiful combination to listen to. I have always looked up to Drake’s lyrical writing and the way that he combines this with the most beautiful melodies. It would be so interesting to see how his work could be evolved around an orchestra.
Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.
I find that all my hobbies outside of music are always somewhat creative. I love to draw and create pieces art for myself and friends. Vintage shopping would have to be another. There is nothing better than finding a bargain!
Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?
Easy. Michael Scott (the lead character from The Office, US). Fish finger sandwiches. No questions asked.