Meet MMSF cellist Silvestrs Kalniņš

You’re one of the Philharmonia’s MMSF Instrumental Fellows for the 2022/23 season – what does this involve?

This is my second year of the MMSF Fellowship and it’s been such a great experience! The Orchestra is brilliant and I learn so much every time I play with them. I’ve been having lessons with some of the members of the cello section, which has been very useful, especially before auditions. I’ve also been lucky to have played in many concerts already, and I’m going to join the Orchestra for most of the concerts for the remainder of the season, which I’m really excited about.

What have you learned through the scheme?

While being on the Fellowship, I’ve had the chance to learn so much orchestral repertoire. This year particularly, I played pieces with the Orchestra that I haven’t covered before or even heard at all! Another skill I’ve learned is always listening and being quick and reactive to whatever is happening in the moment. Often the pace of rehearsals is quite fast, so it was a challenge when I first joined the Fellowship to be able to achieve what the conductor or section leader requested straight away.

Stravinsky’s The Firebird is a challenge for every member of the Orchestra. How have you been preparing for this performance?

I’ve played Stravinsky’s Firebird many times and it is one of my favourite pieces to play so I am very much looking forward to this concert! When I prepare any piece, I find that listening to several recordings while going through my part or a score is the best way to get familiar with the piece. Only after I’ve done that will I practise my individual part. That way when it comes to playing it with everyone in the Orchestra, I’m not just concentrating on my own part; the Orchestra almost becomes like a big chamber group.

Can you describe the Philharmonia’s cello section in three words?

Marvellous, spontaneous and fun!

You grew up in Latvia – what do you love about living in London, and what do you miss?

I’ve been in London for nearly six years now and feel very much at home here. I miss my family and friends, of course, but I love how big and diverse London is; there’s so much going on. I love going to concerts, the cinema and exhibitions but my new favourite is trying out different restaurants and coffee shops. I don’t know how one could get bored of this city.

Which concert coming up in the Philharmonia’s London season would you recommend, and why?

I would recommend the concert on 8 June: it will include Beethoven’s Triple Concerto and Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben. Both pieces are incredible, full of joy with fabulous but extremely demanding solo parts!