Meet the team: Susana Tierney

Favourite musical memory?

When MDing a show, there is nothing better than when the orchestra comes together for the first time prior to performances, it takes everything to a whole new level and you can’t beat it.

What do you like most about your job?

It’s very varied. I’ve always enjoyed both music and maths, so it’s the perfect job as I get to use them both.

Favourite food?

Tapas

Best advice received?

Whilst playing the piano and turning pages, always use your right hand, so the bass line in the left hand continues seamlessly. Quite obvious really but I use it often!

Tell us a little about your dayto-day role at AH

I look after all things financial for our artists, from invoicing their fees and commissions, to liaising with them about what money has or (more frustratingly) hasn’t arrived.

What change would you most like to see take place in classical music?

That it is more accessible to younger people especially in primary education.

Mastermind specialist subject?

Musical Theatre

And when you’re not at work…?

Family time, from holidays in Spain to ferrying the children around to football and dance.

Achievement you’re most proud of?

I organised a charity concert whilst at college, where many school choirs joined together to raise money for Cancer Research. A lot of money was raised and it was a fabulous evening, all the hard work paid off!

Who would you invite to your ideal dinner party, living or dead?

Stephen Sondheim, Dame Judi Dench, Robert Rattray and my father. The latter two are no longer with us, but always had a great story to tell.

Favourite quote or saying?

"You can’t move forward, if you are looking back."

Instruments played/voice?

My main instrument was piano, but I dabbled with violin, oboe, saxophone and voice. I was a typical jack of all trades, but master of none…

Most underrated composer?

Clara Schumann

Susana studied piano at Trinity College of Music before joining Askonas Holt in 2001, and hasn't looked back since. In her spare time, she works as a Musical Director for musicals in and around London. Her best productions to date are her two children Bella and Oscar who keep her busy, but she still manages to find time to enjoy her love of music.