Best Of Living spoke with Founder, Conductor and Artistic Director of Fantasia Orchestra, Tom Fetherstonhaugh, to talk through his remarkable career journey, including singing a solo performance at the Royal Wedding.
Talk us through your background, career-wise.
“I am an orchestral conductor, and am fortunate to spend my life on the road conducting extraordinary groups of musicians in many cities.”
What was it like singing at Prince William and Princess Catherine’s wedding?
“Exhilarating! I was only 13, and it was an extraordinary thing to do singing a solo at such a young age.”
How did you come to be the founder of Fantasia Orchestra?
“When I was in my final year of school, I got together a group of friends to play orchestral music for fun. It has developed into a fully-professional group, and 10 years later we are playing our third and fourth BBC Proms.”
What is Fantasia all about?
“We play concerts that combine many different musical genres: classical, jazz, pop, minimalism, Indian classical music, and more. We believe that music can be a powerful communicator across cultural boundaries, and we love bringing different styles into dialogue with each other.”
So what’s happening this summer in terms of the orchestra?
“We are touring two major programmes. First, a concert of lush twentieth century songs (Strauss and Mahler alongside Cole Porter and Gershwin) on various dates. We then return to the BBC Proms for two concerts with the BBC Singers and Dame Evelyn Glennie at the Royal Albert Hall. It’s always incredible playing on that iconic stage.”
Who is your greatest musical inspiration and why?
“This is such a tough question! I cannot single one particular person out, but I owe a lot to my many teachers who taught me all I know.”
Moving on to other areas of your life. What do you so when you’re not busy working to switch off?
“I absolutely love cooking. Because I travel so much, having an evening in at home and being able to cook a meal myself is a real treat.”
You can go on holiday anywhere in the world. Where and why?
“I would love to go to north Norway. The landscape is so dramatic and endlessly inspiring.”
You can buy anything – money is no object. What do you buy and why?
“Air conditioning for my flat!”
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Fantasia will be celebrating with a return to the BBC Proms in August, performing both a Relaxed Prom (9 August with the BBC Singers,) and Late Night Prom with Dame Evelyn Glennie (11 August). Visit www.royalalberthall.com for more information.
