Jenni Meade, double bass

When did you join the National Symphony Orchestra?

2005.

What do you enjoy most about being in the NSO?

Being part of a team that gives an audience an orchestra to listen to and watch!

Where did you study?

The Royal Academy of Music in London.

What made you decided to pursue a career in music?

I always loved playing double bass and piano. And playing with other musicians. So, pursuing it as a career was an extension of that. I feel honoured to be doing it.

Why did you choose to play your instrument?

Our Primary 7 teacher asked one day would anyone like to learn the double bass? I put up my hand. I didn’t know what the instrument looked like. It came as a bit of a shock when I saw it for the first time – it was huge! I’ll never forget plucking the strings in my first lesson and hearing that beautiful, sonorous, deep sound.

Which conductor are you most excited to work with this season?

I always enjoy working with Leonard Slatkin. He is very musical and so clear in his conducting. He communicates beautifully in rehearsal and in concert.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the orchestra?

I enjoy hill walking with my family and the hill walking club I joined 19 years ago. I love Scottish country dancing and attend a weekly class as often as I can. I’m also a keen swimmer.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals or superstitions?

I never change in to my concert clothes before 7pm. Then there’s not too much time to think before being on stage for the concert.

What was the last book/podcast/TV you really loved?

Anne With An E, the Canadian period drama series based on Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Having read the books and seen the films as a youngster, I love this adaptation.

You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would
they be, and why?

Corelli’s Christmas Concerto. I played this first when I was 17 and it has remained in my heart since. Any of the Beethoven piano concertos. They are wonderful for both piano and orchestra; there’s always something special to listen to in them. A CD of Scottish country dance music to dance to! My book would be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.