Simon Allston Plays Cello with STCO in Hobart
Instrument of choice : Cello
What were the circumstances that led you to play the cello?
I played the violin between the ages of about 9 and 15, and as part of this was in our school orchestra (at an English boarding school). I don’t know why I ended up with the violin, but always admired the sound of the cellos opposite, and particularly admired the cello playing of a teacher of French who was part of the orchestra.
I would have changed instruments then if I had felt able to do so. Later on, I was re-inspired by the scenes of Septimus Harding playing the cello in The Barchester Chronicles which was on TV in the 1980’s, and I bought a cello and had a few lessons. I was far too busy then, and I didn’t continue with it, and sold the cello.
The plan to play resurfaced after I retired in February 2012. I was inspired to think of learning an instrument again after a conversation with Don Challen, who told me how he had taken up the clarinet after his retirement from the position of Secretary of the Department of Treasury and Finance. Like me, Don thought that learning an instrument would be a good way of maintaining the mind and body in later life.
A friend, Fay Johnston, is a keen cellist, and she gave me lots of encouragement. Fay lent me a cello to get me going, and suggested a few teachers. I close to learn with Kate Calwell, and have now been at it since May last year. My enthusiasm for the project received a huge boost at String Camp in January. I almost didn’t go, but Fay persuaded me to do so, and I loved every minute.
Another boost has been getting my own cello, nicknamed Brunhilde, with whom I tussle most days. She got the better of me the other day, when I absent-mindedly walked into the end pin, and received an injury which has taken about a fortnight to heal!
How did you hear about Derwent Strings?
I heard about it from Fay Johnston, who put me in touch with Nikki and Colin late last year.