Nicholas Hunka

You were a bassoonist at the London Symphony Orchestra for many years. What can you tell us about that?

It’s a very satisfying way of earning for a living.
It gives you the opportunity to travel all over the world.
You work with the very best conductors soloists and all the orchestra players. The pressure is intense though.
In the UK, the arts are not well supported by the government.
So we never have enough rehearsal time.
It’s a huge competition to join a good orchestra and to keep one’s position once within that orchestra.
“You’re as good as your last concert”


What are your feelings about Jazz?

Classical Music grew from a European tradition and is based on players playing notes from a page at a specified pitch for a unique duration with the particular attack and a specified volume. Jazz grew from African slaves transported to America and on gaining freedom mixing styles of African music with the classical tradition that they found in New Orleans and New York.
It is based on improvisation, on choured sequences and rhythm. It was an entirely different concept.
I admire musicians who can play this- unfortunately I cannot play it myself. Jazz was a total new concept to western music and a revolution.


What is your vision of music in the future?

For many years people have been prophesying the demise of symphony orchestra.
I do not believe this will happen.
Because of the wealth of compositions from Buxtehude to Stockhausen which people will continue to will to hear.
Jazz is important and also here to stay.
But other forms of music such as electronic music will always be with us but will always be changing and involving.
Unless government funding of the arts increases the music profession will retract.
There will be fewer musicians living in the community therefore fewer available instrumental teachers, less orchestras and ensembles and more conservative repertoire.

Increase imparks of popular music means a serious downtown in funding for the arts.
E.g. the current problems that EMI is having.


You still live in London. Which trends do you see?

In May, we will probably elect a conservative government.
Because of our economic situation they will have to make huge cuts in all forms of public spending (health, army, educations…)
We are looking at a bleak period.
Regardless of which government is in power over the next 10 years.
And this will affect all kind of arts.


Can you recommend as some nice addresses in London?

The Music Pub Half Moon.
Many famous musicians like the Rolling Stones played there during their beginnings.
Recently the brewery wanted to turn it into a gastro pub- but due to national protest it will remain a music venue.
The BBC Promenade Concerts at the royal Albert Hall from July to September every year, which is the biggest music festival.


Do you know Lady Gaga?

I heard of her in the Newspapers.

Thank you for the interview.
The No Feelings Team.