Meet Dr Pauline Nobes
Meet Dr Pauline Nobes, leader and artistic director of Manchester Baroque.
Do you remember your first exposure to historical performance on period instruments?
“My introduction to period instruments was at the RNCM. I took a lesson with Jeremy West (His Majestys Sackbutts and Cornetts) on the cornetto, even though I was a first study violinist. Jeremy then started me off on the Baroque violin, coaching our student ensemble Musica Veneziana (Michael Harrison, Simon Mansfield and Bernard Robertson and myself). We quickly expanded our 17th-century Italian repertory and won a place on the Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now scheme combining contemporary and historical repertory. We performed music ranging from Frescobaldi (cornetto, violin/cornetto, sackbutt and harpsichord), the Beatles and Herb Alpert (2 trumpets, trombone and piano!) in a programme called So What’s New?
In this inspiring time, masterclasses from visiting period instrument specialists such as Roy Goodman, Reinhard Goebel and Ingrid Seifert were also available at the RNCM.”
What attracts you to historical performance and playing on period instruments?
“I love the sound of old instruments and the Baroque bowing techniques fall inline with my own musical language, refreshingly close to the voice, so that chamber music is for me pure speech, expression and communication.”
Do you have a favourite composer?
“Difficult question... If I could only take music by one composer with me to practise and/or perform for a month, it would have to be Johann Sebastian Bach.”
What is your most memorable moment with the ensemble so far?
“The rapturous applause at the end of our last 'Musick' in Manchester concert, which was sold-out at St. Ann’s church. We ended with a new favourite piece, Concerto in Eight Parts by the `illustrious German’, Johann A. Hasse.”
What do you enjoy doing outside of music making?
“I’m a keen gardener, a proud cat-owner and driving my 21 year old sports car just makes me smile.”