Q & A - Expatrio

We've already carried a short interview with Expatrio in advance of their concert at St John's Church on 24 July (8.00-9.30pm). Expatrio are a chamber music trio playing modernsih music which will be fun and good to watch as well as hear. They're ambitious, but they know what they want to do and, more importantly, are capable of doing it. There will be no point reading the 5 star review and wishing you had been there - so be there! Pianist Fiona Corston - she's on the left in the picture accompanying the interview - answers our usual set of questions with some patience.

You haven’t played Buxton before why have you decided to come for 2008?

I have only recently moved to England and, having performed in similar festivals across Australia, appreciate the open-minded attitudes that Fringe organisers and audiences tend to have, especially towards new performers and contemporary classical music.

Amongst Buxton’s famous sons and (adopted daughter) are Tim Brooke-Taylor, Dave Lee Travis and Vera Brittain. How do you feel about following in the footsteps of such giants?

Honoured, obviously, but comparing one’s own achievements to those of others isn’t always helpful. It’s what you do that counts. 

What reaction do you expect from your audiences?

It could range from polite applause to wild screams of delight. I would encourage the latter.

5 pieces of fruit and veg a day – what do you choose to eat?

Being vegan, I eat 5 pieces per day and then some! Eggplants and capsicums (that’s aubergines and peppers to you non-antipodeans) are two favourites.

Do you have any superstitions or routines that you follow before starting a performance?

No, I don’t believe in them, apart from the usual relaxation/creative visualisation techniques. I’d like to think that I have the skills and experience necessary to deal with any performance situation.

Buxton Mineral Water – how do you drink it?

By the bottleful.

Are there any other performers/artists that you especially admire? If so, who and why?

I admire any performer who demonstrates flair and conviction. Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters has a formidable stage presence.

What question would you have liked to answer here?

Why should I bother coming to see expatrio? Surely you’re just a bunch of stiffs playing Mozart?

What is your answer?

No way: classical music has never rocked so hard!

by Keith Savage - Published 22/07/2008