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AN INTERVIEW WITH ANDREW BAIN
BY TAHLIA WILLIAMS
Born and raised in Adelaide, Andrew Bain was appointed Principal Horn of the LA Philharmonic in 2011, and is returning to UKARIA with the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet on Sunday 29 September. In our interview below, Andrew shares some insight into the musical culture of LA, and offers encouragement to audiences curious about the wind quintet genre.
Having grown up in Adelaide and studied at the Elder Conservatorium under the legendary Patrick Brislan, what was your experience of moving overseas to pursue your career, first in Europe and ultimately in the USA?
After growing up in Adelaide and studying at the Elder Conservatorium, moving overseas was a significant leap for me. Transitioning first to Europe and then later to the United States was both exhilarating and challenging, offering me unique musical opportunities and perspectives.
One of the great advantages of being an Australian musician is our lack of a rigid, defined tradition. This flexibility allows us to borrow the best ideas from various sources. In Europe, I was able to immerse myself in a rich classical tradition, while moving to the US exposed me to a vibrant and diverse musical landscape. Experiencing both has allowed me to develop a personal style that adapts to different situations. These experiences have deeply influenced my artistic journey, broadening my musical horizons and enriching my approach to performance.
The LA Philharmonic’s Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel’s zeal for culture and humanity seems to go far beyond his role on the podium. Could you give us some insight into your experience working under Maestro Dudamel?
Working under Gustavo Dudamel has been nothing short of extraordinary. His enthusiasm for music is matched by his deep commitment to cultural and humanitarian causes. His leadership style is incredibly inspiring; he brings an infectious energy to every rehearsal and performance, while connecting with every musician on stage. His dedication to education and his ability to connect with people on a profound level make him a remarkable figure in the world of music.
Does the chemistry you’ve developed with your fellow principals in the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet affect the way you work together within the greater orchestra, and vice versa?
The members of the LA Philharmonic Wind Quintet are more than just colleagues – they’re good friends. Our close bond enhances our performances, thanks to the deep mutual understanding and trust we share. The chemistry we've developed within the quintet has a significant impact on our orchestral performances as well.
The wind quintet is perhaps one of the more underrated and even polarising chamber music genres. What words of encouragement would you give to a patron who hasn’t experienced a wind quintet before?
Wind quintets might not always get the spotlight they deserve, but they offer a uniquely rich and varied sound palette. The dynamic range and tonal colour of a wind quintet are vast and captivating. From the agility and brightness of the flute and clarinet to the lyrical qualities of the oboe and the depth and warmth of the bassoon and horn, the quintet covers the entire spectrum of tone and style.
The interplay between these instruments is both intricate and fascinating. For those who haven’t experienced a wind quintet before, I’m sure you’ll be delighted by the diversity of sounds and textures they produce. The combination of these elements creates a fresh and engaging listening experience, full of dynamic contrasts and expressive possibilities.
Do you have a favourite piece on your UKARIA program, and could you tell us a little about it?
I’m particularly excited about Incantations. The way Ross Edwards captures the essence of the Australian summer landscape through rhythm and atmosphere is truly magical. The vibrant and rhythmic elements of the piece make it a standout work, and it is incredibly rewarding to revisit it after all these years. Having performed it as a student and recorded it with the New Sydney Wind Quintet, it is a joy to play with my amazing LA Phil colleagues.
LA PHILHARMONIC WIND QUINTET | Sunday 29 September at 2.30pm
