With lockdown extending over the coming weeks in Melbourne, we thought it would be a good opportunity to catch up with The Talent‘s performers from over the years and see what they’ve been up to, and how they’ve been going through lockdown. First up: flautist and piccolist Adam Richardson, who appeared on Season 1 of The Talent back in 2018 and performed Mike Mower’s Piccolo Sonata, along with Andy Firth’s Treacherous Tango, accompanied by Raymond Shon.

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Hi, Adam! First of all, what have you been up to since your last appearance at 3MBS?  

Since my performance on 3MBS, I finished up my studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. After this I then started freelancing around Melbourne, appearing in a range of orchestral, chamber music, concerto and recital performances. 

How are you doing/coping during lockdown? 

Truth be told, lockdown has been very hard. I’m a very social person, so having to adjust my lifestyle and see my friends in person much less presented challenges, but I’m lucky to have some amazing friends so I’ve made it through. I also had to cancel my wedding and reschedule it to next year which was quite upsetting, but a small price to pay for the safety of the community! 

How has COVID impacted your life/music/creativity?  

COVID19 meant a complete halt of my performance calendar, as if someone poured a bag sugar into a diesel engine! In the space of a week, I had months’ worth of orchestral performances, international tours and a concerto appearance cancelled. After a period of mourning for said performances, I’ve been setting my sights to the future and making plans for once the world returns to some semblance of normality. 

What’s your number 1 strategy for beating the lockdown blues?  

My main strategy for dealing with the blues is watching funny TV shows. Really allows me to shut off from the world and just keep everything light-hearted! 

What do you look forward to most post-lockdown?  

Actually, I’m commencing a Masters of Music as a RCS Trust Scholar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, studying with some absolutely world class flutists so my personal lockdown will end upon my arrival there. I look forward to making music with friends again. This year has really reminded me of just how much happiness I get from performing in an orchestra, I’ve definitely missed it. 
 

Where/how can we support you and your music?  

A lot of my upcoming performances will be broadcast on social media so follow along for some live music performance from Glasgow. Everyone should support each other, listen to each other’s concerts and reach out to them. We will make it through this together!

You can follow Adam on Instagram: @adamrichardsonflute