The secret life of an orchestra librarian

Alastair Simpson in the BSO library

Alastair in the BSO library

Score of Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance glued together with war bomb stamps

Kate Risdon reading Braille

Score of Elgar's Carissimia with the composer's signature

By Elisabeth Schwarz, 12 July 2019

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“This one is stuck together with World War 1 bomb stamps from 1915”

Bachtrack, 1st May

The BBC’s prestigious young artist development scheme, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, welcomes six new entrants for 2025–27.

Unique and overwhelming: Kirill Karabits on Terterian’s Symphony no. 3

Bachtrack, 10th April

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor talks about a remarkable symphony by Armenian composer Avet Terterian: “one of the most amazing pieces of music that one could experience in the concert hall.”

No fixed paths: Jorge Losana on Early music in Spain

Eleanor Knight, 24th April

Founder of celebrated young vocal ensemble Cantoría talks about being a musical organiser, singing musical ensaladas, and how Barcelona might be the capital of Early music on the Iberian peninsula.

On a whim: Hina Maeda on the Wieniawski Competition

Nahoko Gotoh, 23rd April

Five years ago, the Japanese violinist made the spontaneous decision to enter the prestigious Henryk Wieniawski Violin Competition. She talks about how her win in 2022 was a musically life-changing experience.

From Paris to Weimar with Anne Sofie von Otter

Kevin W Ng, 17th April

Ahead of an appearance at London’s Cadogan Hall, the Swedish mezzo-soprano talks about her love for French and German song, and combining intimate performances with opera singing on a much larger scale.

Cultural activism: Leticia Moreno in Singapore

Frank Kuznik, 14th April

The Spanish violinist makes her Sinagpore debut in May performing Szymanowski. She talks about taking repertoire to new places, and being an advocate for unusual Spanish music.

Elisabeth Schwarz

Elisabeth is Bachtrack’s German Editor and Press Manager. After more than five years in London, she is now back in Vienna, spending more time at the opera and in cafés than her own living room. She also organises music projects for people who have experienced homelessness and works as a freelance translator and copywriter for classical music PRs.

Behind the Scenes: the secret life of an orchestra librarian