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My route into playing a musical instrument was a serendipitous one. My older brother was taking violin lessons at school but the lure of the football pitch with his pals at break time, when he was supposed to be having his lesson, led both he and his teacher to agree that perhaps playing the violin was not for him. My mum mentioned that I was quite keen, so I was given the chance at his slot and the rest, as they say, is history! 

I was born and brought up in Kirkcaldy, Fife and benefited from the excellent music service that Fife had and still has to this day. I’ll never forget my first primary school regional orchestra rehearsal when I was about 10 years old – I couldn’t believe that together, with all these other people, I could be part of something that sounded so amazing! Fife had ensembles for all ages and abilities, and I have great memories of all the residential camps that the groups went on, especially to Bonskeid House in Pitlochry then Loaningdale in Biggar. 

It was a visit from an RSNO string quartet that cemented my desire to become an orchestral musician. They were visiting my local high school and my violin teacher arranged for all of her pupils to attend. It was lovely that all four members of the quartet were still in the Orchestra when I joined and I made sure to tell them of my encounter with them some 20 years previously. When I started high school the following year, I think most of my teachers were quite surprised that I had already decided on my career path at such a young age. My math and guidance teacher was quick to tell me that music was a ‘waste of a brain’ but I hope I have proven him wrong on that one. Music gave me so many opportunities growing up, along with so many other life skills and experiences. 

Peripatetic instrumental music teachers are the superheroes of music education. I love that at the RSNO we strive to support them in any way we can. Last year, Fife Youth Orchestra were on one of their residential camps and a handful of RSNO musicians went along to offer support and advice to both the staff and pupils. It was a great return to my alma mater, especially to see that some of the amazing tutors were still there. 

I have also been in an RSNO string quartet visiting high schools, and young(er) professional musicians often say that they remember our visit which feels like a real full circle moment. 

Whilst I absolutely love the thrill of performing in the world’s best concert halls, playing large iconic repertoire from the likes of Mahler, it’s often the smaller encounters that leave a more lasting impression on me. The opportunity to work with young people in Scotland is something that I relish. Scotland has a fantastically rich cultural landscape and we are very lucky to be at the heart of it. 

Lisa Rourke
Sub-Principal Viola, RSNO