PROFILE: NASSER PERVEZ

TECHNICAL PRODUCER – BBC RADIO 3 CLASSICAL MUSIC

SERIES EDITOR ALASTAIR WARREN

I will always remember the first classical concert I experienced at the Fairfield Halls in Croydon as a boy, hearing the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by Karl Bohm (then aged about 80 years) striking up the opening fanfare to Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony. At the opening, the horns start with a rhythmic staccato and when the trombones and trumpets join in with the momentous descending scale passage it knocked me off my feet! It was at that moment I knew I wanted to play a brass instrument and in particular the trombone. To a young child growing up in Croydon, this introduction began a musical journey into a world of infinite possibilities.

At the beginning of my studies, I did not appreciate that learning to play a music instrument would teach me so much about life skills generally, but now I understand the importance of teamwork, discipline, loyalty and friendship. All this hard work results in a distinct thrill during live performance and a feeling of quiet exhilaration after an especially good concert.

Soon after I began my music lessons, I knew that music was going to play an important part in my life. I have been lucky to be involved with some fantastic amateur ensembles, including brass bands and orchestras, a big band and a brass quintet, all of which were based around London. I have been introduced to a vast repertoire of music and have experience of playing to a very high level. Playing in brass bands I found especially useful for developing sight-reading skills and technique as well as sheer stamina.

The performer I find most inspirational was John Fletcher, the tuba player with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble. As well as being a remarkable technician, he was incredibly musical and always made the instrument ‘sing’. Another hero is the late Maurice Murphy, principal trumpet of the London Symphony Orchestra, a consummate musician and master of his instrument. His phenomenal performances of the Star Wars scores will be admired by generations to come. I will also never forget hearing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Daniel Barenboim playing the opening bars of Mahler’s 2nd Symphony in rehearsal at the BBC Proms, which displayed the power and depth of a music ensemble finely tuned. It sent shivers up my spine!

My musical experience has underpinned my career as a sound engineer and producer with the BBC. A close knowledge of the repertoire as well as an ability to score read have enhanced the technical aspects of my work.

Music and in particular being part of an ensemble has enriched my life. As well as playing in some iconic venues, I have met so many wonderful people, including my wife! I intend to continue playing as long as I have breath! ◆