Martin Owen

Martin Owen discusses the challenges and pressures faced by being a principal horn player in a major orchestra, possibly one of the most demanding and exposed orchestral roles to have, and how to get back on track when things go wrong.

He talks about the differences between being a soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player – interesting which one he thinks is the most stressful. He talks openly about the use of alcohol and Betablockers amongst musicians as ways of coping with performance nerves with all the advantages and disadvantages that come along with them. And he shows his total respect and admiration for British orchestras who continue to give top quality performances even their working conditions aren’t what they might be!