Welcome to Helena Buckie, our new Second Violin

At what age did you start playing your instrument, and what made you choose it? Were there any memorable early experiences that made you realise you wanted to do this as a career?

I was three when I started the violin with the Suzuki method, I had the most wonderful teacher who tragically passed away far too young but I always remember her kindness. I can’t remember why I chose the violin but I think throughout childhood I stuck with it because I just loved film music and the way violins (of the LSO) played in John Williams scores. That and the incredible youth orchestra courses I loved made me want to have a career as a violinist. I thought if life could always feel like a youth orchestra tour I’d be so happy, and it does! I’m still always learning and I get to play with so many great friends.

Do you have any heroes on your instrument?

Gil Shaham has to be a favourite, his playing is so pure and joyful you can’t help but feel totally inspired. His love of the music and his playfulness is infectious.

What are you most looking forward to in the rest of this LSO season? Any conductors, soloists or repertoire that catch your eye? Any stand-out tour destinations?

I’m really looking forward to touring Spain with Gustavo Dudamel in the spring and to playing Salome with Sir Antonio Pappano in July, the music is so incredibly beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

If you could go back, what advice would you give your younger self as an aspiring musician?

I think I’d just tell myself it was all worth it, that sometimes any rejection is for the right reasons and to learn from it, it’ll steer you in the right direction and it happens to everyone!

Are there any other interesting things about you we should know? Do you play any other instruments? Do you have any hidden talents?

I used to play the trumpet and loved it (probably the film music inspiring me again). I love anything outdoors, hiking and camping. I wild-camped a big chunk of the South West Coast Path just me, my dog Roo and a tent! I’ve done quite a few triathlons and love wild swimming but at the moment when I’m not working I’m normally with my little 18 month old Laurie, he’s already been on tour with me.

If you had to pick, what is your favourite piece of orchestral music, and why?

This is a really hard one, it’s between Strauss’ Alpine Symphony as it’s just so euphoric, or Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring. I love Stravinsky’s sound world, he writes the most obscure emotions, fears and moods into music you could never explain with words. Every piece is like a fever dream. Prokofiev too, I just can’t choose!

What piece of orchestral music would you recommend to someone who has never heard an orchestra before, and why?

I would definitely recommend either of the above but also Mahler’s First Symphony, or Prokofiev Classical Symphony. My husband is a TV producer and it’s been so fun introducing him and his friends to so many different programs of music. I always learn a lot through seeing it through their eyes and hearing their thoughts as first time listeners.

Does your instrument have an interesting story or history behind it?

My violin is loaned to me by a very dear friend of mine, I’ve lovingly nicknamed it ‘Babycchino’.