Guildhall questions: Andrew Watkinson answers

Endellion Quartet first violinist Andrew Watkinson answers our questions ahead of the Guildhall String Ensemble performance on 24 January.

The Guildhall String Ensemble perform on Thursday 24 January, led by Endellion Quartet first violinist Andrew Watkinson.

We caught up Andrew to find out more about the repertoire for the concert and Endellion Quartet's secret to longevity as they celebrate 40 years as an ensemble.

The programme for the String Ensemble concert is a wonderful trip through classic repertoire, what can audiences expect? Can you tell us a bit about these pieces and why they were chosen for the performance?

The first half is edgy! Shostakovich obviously so with all the pain, anger and horror which he depicts (the piece is dedicated to The Memory of the Victims of Fascism and War) but Purcell in his own way also (Think of Dido's Lament.)

The second half is perhaps more comfortably passionate. I chose the programme because they are all wonderful pieces and I liked the English/Russian juxtaposition in each half.

What are you most looking forward to about the performance in Milton Court?

The drink afterwards!

An outpouring of passion and commitment from the students.

As well as teaching at Guildhall, the Endellion Quartet works closely with Guildhall musicians as Visiting Quartet-in-Association. What do you most enjoy about working with young musicians?

The fact that they're young! I'm not quite that any longer.... Over the past few years the Chamber Music department has bred in the students a wonderful enthusiasm for playing ensemble music which it is a pleasure to be involved with. (And it is extremely hard not to think that you have pearls of wisdom to pass on....!)

This year the Endellion Quartet celebrates 40 years as an ensemble, a fantastic achievement! What’s your advice for achieving such longevity as an ensemble?

Start young! Love music!

Who have been some of your biggest inspirations in your career?

Undoubtedly Yehudi Menuhin. Maybe more surprisingly his pianist sister Hepzibah who managed to combine amazing piano playing with an amateur's joy in music and performing. Josef Szigeti (who I studied with) because his playing was so individual and he knew how to let music run without it sounding hurried!

“Don't rush” is one of those things that musicians hear so often from teachers and conductors that it becomes a Deadly Sin. But sometimes there is so much energy and exuberance in music that the crime is to hold it back!

What are your passions outside of music?

I'm a keen supporter of Stevenage Football Club. (DON'T say you've never heard of it or ask what division it plays in!) I have a wonderful wife and two lovely grown-up sons and I enjoy cooking for them (and other people as well) though I'd have to admit that I'm more reliable on the quantity aspect than the quality!

If you had one piece of advice for young musicians today, what would it be?

Be lucky! (And work hard.) I firmly believe that achievement in any field depends on a combination of talent, hard work and luck. Sadly there's only one of those you can do much about....

The Guildhall String Ensemble perform on Thursday 24 January in the Milton Court Concert Hall.