David Oliver (flautist)
David Bain Oliver (born 21 July 1972 in Edinburgh – died December 2012 in Gloucestershire) was a Scottish flautist and teacher of flute at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, formerly Trinity College of Music, London.[1]
Discography included 'Sound and Substance' and 'Time Entwined' on the Amalie Record Label and 'Complete Bolling!' on the Claudio Record Label. Described as "having that very rare gift of getting the audience totally engrossed with the music", David was already winning major awards at the age of six, when he appeared at The Royal Albert Hall. His first recording was made at the age of 16, when he appeared on a disc entitled 'The Selkirk Common Riding.' He was a flautist of international reputation, performing both in the United Kingdom and abroad.
Studying initially with David Nicholson (former principal flute, SCO) in Aberdeen, David then went on to become a scholar of the Birmingham Conservatoire of Music in 1992. He worked with both Colin Lilley (CBSO) and Kevin Gowland (Opera North), graduating in 1996. He was a finalist in all major competitions during this time.
He then furthered his studies with the acclaimed flautist Ann Cherry, for many years professor of flute at Trinity College of Music, London. During this period, he began to develop his individual style and emerge as a dynamic and innovative young performer.
An active recitalist, David premiered many works for flute, including a second commission from composer Raymond Head. The first was "Bridges for Angels" premiered at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford in 2000. More recent works written for David included those by Paul Farrer and Peter Morris, both of which are featured on his previous disc, ‘Time Entwined' with guitarist Roland Gallery. Both works were performed as world premières in a concert in Banbury and greeted with critical acclaim.
Following a successful collaboration in 2004 and again in 2011 with Richard Roderick Jones work for flute and piano Persephone Dances, David suggested to Richard that he write a work for flute and guitar. The original idea was for a set of miniatures but it soon became apparent to Richard that it was going to become a more substantial work. Inspired by a trip to Scotland in August 2011 (David’s homeland), the Sonata began to take shape.
It is a three movement work: (i) Allegro - Meno Mosso (ii) Poco Lento (iii) Brioso and has been written and dedicated to David Oliver and Roland Gallery. The premiere took place on 20 June 2012, as part of the Shipston-on-Stour festival and was a welcome addition to the flute and guitar repertoire.
David appeared at many important British venues as well as touring overseas. These included the Purcell Room, South Bank, London; The Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London; Jacqueline du Pré Music Building and Holywell Music Room, Oxford; Cowdray Hall, Aberdeen; St Mary's and St Nicholas, Warwick. He also worked alongside Simon Rattle, at Symphony Hall; appeared as a concerto soloist with Janet Hilton and Nicholas Kramer, and participated in interpreting their work with distinguished composers such as Boulez and Steve Reich.
David was an accomplished Concert Artist, and recorded two previous discs for the Amalie Record Label. 'Sound and Substance' featured a series of flute quartet pieces written by eminent English composers. He served on the council of the British Flute Society for five years, and was the Events Co-ordinator for two years. In addition to coaching, performing and recording he had written music reviews for the daily national press. In 2011, he was a finalist in ‘The People’s Music Awards.’
References
- ↑ "Professor David Oliver - Obituary". Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. 17 December 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2015.