Introducing... Joe Cowie, Double Bass
How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?
Back in 2019, I attended an open ‘extra work’ audition and subsequently started freelancing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as a substitute section player. After a short time as a member of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, I auditioned for the RPO again when there were some double bass vacancies. Following a trial period, I officially became a member in 2024.
What was your first experience of orchestral music?
My first vivid memories of a big live symphony orchestra are from performing with my secondary school choir at Snape Maltings Concert Hall. Around that time, I had just started double bass lessons and quickly became completely obsessed with orchestral music, taking the train from my home in Colchester to London to see all sorts of concerts. A few years later, I distinctly remember seeing the RPO for the first time at Cadogan Hall, performing a Valentine’s Day Tchaikovsky gala concert. Fittingly, I started as an RPO member on 14 February at Cadogan Hall!
How did you find yourself on this career journey?
I took up the double bass when I was 12 and, after only a few lessons, was plunged straight into my school orchestra, where I desperately tried to simplify the bass parts to mostly open strings just to keep up. Once I’d learned a few more notes, I joined the Essex Youth Orchestra and later the National Youth Orchestra. I studied Music at Clare College, Cambridge, thinking I might end up doing something else in music, but the bass kept calling. After finishing my studies at the Royal Academy of Music, I began auditioning and freelancing with orchestras across the UK. I am forever indebted to the amazing music teachers who taught and inspired me along the way.
What is the best thing about being part of the RPO family?
The people! In addition to being world-class musicians, my colleagues are some of the kindest and funniest people I know.
Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.
In 2023, I was fortunate to tour Japan with the RPO, which was incredible. It was my first tour to Asia, and I tried to soak up as much of the food, culture and landscapes as possible. The concerts were fantastic – Shostakovich’s Symphony No.8 with Vasily Petrenko really sticks in my memory. Japan also has countless first-rate concert halls, all with excellent acoustics and enough space both onstage and backstage (something that’s not as common in the UK)!
Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
No specific rituals, but I usually have a square of dark chocolate during the interval to give me a boost for the second half.
Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?
Maurice Ravel. Even though he didn’t write a huge amount, every piece is a treasure. The opening of Suite No.2 from Daphnis et Chloé really does sound like a sunrise to me. I love his wandering melodies and innovative harmonies – Ma mère l’Oye, Le Tombeau de Couperin, the two piano concertos, and the Piano Trio are all absolute masterpieces.
Symphonic crossover – if you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?
I would love to work with my brother, Tim Cowie, on a big symphonic crossover project. He’s an audio-visual artist, composer and sound designer based in Bournemouth – and, also, one of the coolest people I know! His music is an eclectic combination of synthesisers, field recordings and acoustic instruments. Despite knowing him all my life, we’ve never worked together in an official capacity!
Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.
I’ve been a theatre kid for as long as I can remember – I love the buzz of live performance, and it’s one of the few times I feel completely focused. Living in London, I’m spoilt for choice – there’s always too much theatre I want to see! I also love a good board game and can get pretty competitive.
Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?
Honestly, just a group of friends. With some of us being musicians, it’s a small miracle to get everyone’s diaries to line up. I love vegetarian cooking, and my go-to dinner party dish is a courgette risotto with heaps of mascarpone.
First published June 2025