Spotlight on Miriam Nerval

March 4, 2015

Recorder player Miriam Nerval will perform on the 11th March as part of the CMF Rhyme and Reason concert series, here she talks to us about d’angelo, BBC Music Magazine and of course, the recorder.

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Emotional, curious and recorderlicious!

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Who do you usually perform with?

As a soloist, it depends on the demands of the programme. I’m very fortunate to have worked with a number of amazing harpsichord, cello, theorbo and harp players who I love working with on different things. As a chamber musician I play with Palisander recorder quartet and Woodwork.

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What has been a performance highlight in your career so far?

Woodwork spent 10 days playing at the Tel Aviv International Early Music Seminar in 2012 which was pretty special. We played concerts all over Israel at amazing historical venues.

Also the Milton Court Showcase we did with the City Music Foundation, it is an amazing space to play recorder in!

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What is coming up in the diary that you are most looking forward to?

Brandenburg 4 with the English Chamber Orchestra at Cadogan Hall, on April 14th.

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Do you have a favourite performer? What type of concerts/gigs do you regularly attend?

I don’t think I could narrow it down to one individual, I have lots of favourite things about different performers. I enjoy going to watch all kinds of live music. I go to see as much early music as I can, but I take inspiration from a huge variety of performers. I went to see d’angelo last month and his presence and energy was incredibly inspiring.

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You’re also an educator, how important is this role within your work?

Hugely. I love teaching, and I think the rise in recorder specialists teaching in schools is definitely having a positive effect on the instruments profile and our audience bases. I feel I was so fortunate to learn with my teacher at the Guildhall School, now I want to pass that knowledge on.

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How did you find out about CMF and why did you decide to apply?

I found out about CMF when the Guildhall School told me they were nominating me. I wanted to apply as it sounded like a great opportunity for guidance into professional life.

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What has CMF done for you since being a CMF artist?

CMF have introduced me to so many different people in the industry, and encouraged me to ask questions and advice from them all.

Some of the platforms they have given me have directly resulted in incredible opportunities, such as appearing in BBC Music Magazine’s Rising Star feature, and my upcoming performance with the English Chamber Orchestra.

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What are your hopes for the future?

To continue being able to play the recorder everyday.

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Finally, your 3 desert island discs?

Il Giardino Armonico- Viaggio Musicale

Maurice Steger- An Italian Ground

Jeff Buckley- Grace