Season 5, Episode 4 Nicholas Daniel, OBE

Legends of Reed

A Deep Dive with Nicholas Daniel: From Oboe Beginnings to Musical Leadership

In this episode of Legends of Reed, host Jo Anne Sukumaran, has an engaging and heartfelt conversation with acclaimed oboist Nicholas Daniel. Nicholas shares his journey from his surprising introduction to the oboe, influenced by his grandmother, to achieving critical acclaim with his latest album “Schumann Works for Oboe and Piano.”

They delve into his practice routines, the importance of calm environments for recording, and his thoughts on working with producers like Jonathan Cooper and longtime collaborator Julius Drake. Nicholas recounts his experiences interacting with composers, shedding light on his approach to learning new concertos and the influence of contemporary thinkers like Molly Gabrien. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as teaching practices, the tradition of the British oboe school, his involvement with various musical organizations, and memorable encounters with Queen Elizabeth II. Nicholas's stories and insights reveal his passion for music, teaching, and the importance of maintaining a positive outlook in life.

Find out more about Nicholas:

https://nicholasdaniel.co.uk

Vote for the Schumann album (until end Feb 2025):

https://www.classical-music.com/awards/2025-awards/bbc-music-magazine-chamber-award-2025

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

02:47 Discussing the Latest Album

05:20 Journey into Music and the Oboe

10:47 Influential Teachers and Early Training

16:47 The British Oboe Tradition

19:17 Goossens's Oboe and Historical Instruments

27:35 Women in Music and Gender Equality

33:06 Impact of COVID-19 on Musicians

35:51 The Path to Becoming a Concert Oboe Soloist

43:00 Meditation and Mindfulness in Practice

48:30 Preparing for Performances and Learning New Music

01:03:17 Using Gymnastic Balls for Breathing Exercises

01:04:10 The Impact of Musculature on Breathing

01:06:00 The Partnership Between Body and Breath

01:06:44 The Emotional Connection to Musical Instruments

01:08:13 The Importance of Flexibility in Musicians

01:09:46 Hydration and Its Effects on Musicians

01:10:58 Favorite Composers and Their Influence

01:21:29 Collaborating with Composers

01:28:47 Balancing Leadership and Collaboration in Orchestras

01:36:06 Rapid Fire Questions

01:41:57 The Future of Classical Music

01:54:11 Meeting Queen Elizabeth II