Introducing Paul Whittaker

The Bach Choir: Do you have a favourite piece of music to interpret?

Paul Whittaker: “It’s a toss-up between the James MacMillan Christmas Oratorio and the Bach St Matthew Passion. That’s large-scale, of course. If I had to choose a shorter piece, then my current favourite is ‘The Children’ from James MacMillan’s ‘Three Scottish Songs’.”

The Bach Choir: You’re about to interpret a premiere by Stephanie Jayne Amies for our Vocalise! Summer Concert. Do you feel additional pressure when you know that it’s the first time an audience will experience a piece?

Paul Whittaker: “No, there’s no additional pressure. In some ways there’s less, as the audience don’t know the piece and don’t know what’s coming. With some new pieces, I am aware that, as an interpreter, I can help guide the entire audience through the piece. I’m not just there for Deaf patrons!”

The Bach Choir: What is the most bizarre piece you’ve ever been asked to interpret?

Paul Whittaker: “I’ve been asked to do Carmina Burana e times but have always refused as it’s rather rude! However, I’ve finally agreed to do it with the RSNO next season, and the marketing department are very excited about how they can publicize it. I’ve also recently done the Berg Violin Concerto which was a challenge. Phenomenal piece though.”

The Bach Choir: It’s well known that it’s not only deaf audiences who enjoy your performances — hearing audiences are huge fans, too. What do you think you bring to performances for these audiences specifically?

Paul Whittaker: “I’ve hinted at this above. Even though hearing people may not know BSL, they can follow a lot of what I do and appreciate it. We often overestimate what audiences know (especially with new works), so anything that guides them through a piece is positive.”

The Bach Choir: We know from reading previous interviews with you that it takes a lot of research for you to accurately interpret a piece of music. Did you know much about the Common Swift before you began working on interpreting it?

Paul Whittaker: “Absolutely nothing! That’s one of the joys of having to analyse a piece so carefully: you learn so much not just about the music but about the subject matter too.”

The Bach Choir: Our Vocalise! programme focuses on filling in the gaps in participating schools’ music programmes and ensuring that children get the opportunity to sing together. What was your music education like at school?

Paul Whittaker: “I was fortunate to have enthusiastic and inspiring music teachers both at school and privately. They introduced me to a huge range of music and never saw my deafness as a barrier to enjoying it and making it.”

The Bach Choir: What advice would you give to any aspiring young deaf musicians or interpreters reading this?

Paul Whittaker: “For Deaf musicians, I have to say, ‘Have faith in your own abilities as a musician.’ There will be people who try to deter you, put you down and treat you with a lot of suspicion. I still get occasions when I am disrespected both as a Deaf person and professional musician, so you do need a thick skin. It’s both sad and frustrating that I feel I have to prove my worth, and I put that down to ignorance on the part of others. You’re constantly educating people, challenging their ideas and raising awareness.

For interpreters, I always encourage them to look beyond the lyrics and be aware of the music. Interpreting the words isn’t even half the job; it’s the music that gives the character and emotion of the piece and makes it take flight.”