David Kenihan

What inspired you to take up the double bass?
When I was at school one of my brothers-in-law took me to a concert to see the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra playing Brahms 2nd Piano Concerto and Beethoven Emperor with Barenboim as soloist. That particular brother-in-law is (still) famously late for everything and he got the last 2 seats in the house, front row right under the double basses. I was transfixed.
 
Have you always wanted to play in an orchestra?
There was always music in the house, my father was an amateur organist, and formed and conducted a Gregorian Chant choir. We lived in a very small country town in Australia when I was very young, and my parents had recordings of orchestras from around the world including the BSO, and from this I have always wanted to be involved in making music in groups.

When did you join the BSO?
19…um…. something…
 
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Quite a lot actually. I especially love walking out after a concert and seeing streams of cars queuing to get out of the car parks. I cycle to work.

What are the challenges of playing the double bass?
Getting the bag on and off.

Name a musical personality living or dead you would most like to meet?
Glen Gould. Beautiful playing of Bach.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What are your hobbies?
Cooking, discovered gardening, cycling short distances on the flat and teaching – I have a few very nice, clever musical students.

What do you like most about living on the South Coast?
The coast, the New Forest, Purbecks…. I’ve lived/studied/worked in three countries and eight cities, I think Poole and Dorset is the nicest place I’ve lived.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Bluebeard’s Castle with Marin a few years ago.

What would you do if you weren’t a musician?
I have no idea. It’s vocational for a lot of people, like the clergy, or the military, or a life of crime.

Which piece of music would you take to a desert island?
Glen Gould recordings of Bach, Beethoven and Schoenberg – William Byrd  ‘Three Part Masses’.

Which piece of music do you enjoy playing?
Any Mozart or Haydn, Sibelius late symphonies.