Introducing... Katy Ayling, Principal Bass Clarinet
How did you become involved with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO)?
My first time playing with the RPO came as a last-minute call to play second clarinet about 13 years ago. I’d had a lesson that day to try and get some freelance ‘extra’ work with the Orchestra, and it just happened that on that same day, their second player fell ill. Later, I became an extra player on bass clarinet and, after a trial, I joined the Orchestra in February 2014.
What was your first experience of orchestral music?
When I was about eight, my primary headteacher played Ravel’s Boléro to us in assembly and I was hooked. I remember asking my dad, who was a huge music enthusiast, to get me a CD of it immediately.
How did you find yourself on this career journey?
Kind of by accident! As a clarinettist, I was going for auditions anywhere and everywhere I’d be heard. As I had been doing a bit more bass clarinet playing during my postgraduate year, I was also trying out for bass jobs, too. I managed to score a trial with BBC National Orchestra of Wales, and it just went from there. I discovered that it was where my strengths lay.
What is the best thing about being part of the RPO family?
Hands down, the people.
Tell us about your favourite RPO journey.
I think it was my first ever concert at the BBC Proms with the RPO. We played Respighi’s Pines of Rome, and I just remember feeling totally elated afterwards, knowing I’d never forget that performance.
Do you have any pre-concert rituals?
It really depends on the concert. If it’s something that is particularly high pressure, I make sure I’m well hydrated and have a good meal. I always have a banana about 30 minutes before the concert and will sit in a quiet place, not rushing around – it helps ground me.
Must listens – if you had to recommend one artist or composer, who would it be and why?
This is hard to choose! But I think I would have to go with Richard Strauss. I became transfixed by his Metamorphosen last year and was just playing it on repeat for about two months. Everything he writes is sublime.
Symphonic crossover – if you could work with any artist on a performance or project, who would you choose?
I think working with Björk would be incredible. She’s constantly reinventing herself and pushing boundaries.
Away from music, tell us two of your favourite hobbies and why they strike such a chord.
I’ve just moved house and now have acquired some green space where I can do some gardening. I love it because I can just get lost in it. Taking care of something and watching it grow is deeply satisfying. I also love to run and do Pilates; I get a lot of mental clarity from exercising and really feel it benefits my playing from a strength perspective.
Dream dinner party – who would you invite, what would you cook?
People who have inspired me and are big thinkers, so that we’d have epic conversations. I would choose David Lynch, Richard Strauss, Mozart, Salvador Dalí, Malcolm X, Dr Joe Dispenza and Esther Perel. Probably my boyfriend, too! I’m a big fan of Middle Eastern cooking, so I would slow-cook some lamb and have some of Ottolenghi's side dishes.
Katy gratefully acknowledges the support of her Chair Patron, Sophie Gasperment.
First published May 2025