From Brahms to The Snowman with Mike O’Donnell
Mike, Principal Oboe of Royal Northern Sinfonia, has been a part of the orchestra since 2010, sharing his love of music in every performance.
Born in Newcastle and raised in Perthshire, Mike’s journey has taken him from youth orchestras to guest appearances with some of the UK’s top ensembles. In this article, he shares why classical music is for everyone and which concerts in our 2025/26 season promise magic, warmth and a little bit of Chewbacca.
Why is classical music for everyone?
Coming to an orchestral concert requires no homework, no prior knowledge and no familiarity with the programme, only open ears and an open mind. Classical music speaks straight to the emotions. It stirs feelings that words, or endless scrolling, can’t touch. A live concert is a transformative experience, unique to each listener, which is why it truly belongs to you, whoever you are.
Which concert in the 2025/26 season holds one of your favourite pieces of music?
Our concert with Maria Włoszczowska on Friday 22 May. She’s performing Brahms’s Violin Concerto, and I have two reasons. Firstly, the slow movement contains one of the most beautiful and famous oboe solos in the repertoire. Amazingly, the violin never plays that achingly beautiful melody at all. And secondly, I’d happily listen to Maria perform anything, but there’s something particularly special about the way she plays Brahms: full of warmth, sensitivity and boundless energy.
“A live concert is a transformative experience, unique to each listener, which is why it truly belongs to you, whoever you are.”
If I’ve never been to a classical concert before, what should I try?
Why not join us for one of our Winter Tour concerts from 26 November to 4 December? The orchestra and Chorus will travel across the region, performing by candlelight in beautiful churches. It’s the perfect way to warm your heart (and cockles) once the cold weather sets in. These concerts offer a more intimate experience and a lovely way to start the festive season in style.
What is favourite Christmas concert to perform?
It must be The Snowman! Seeing Sage One filled with families of all ages each year is pure joy, and so is the music. We’ve performed Howard Blake’s score hundreds of times, but it never loses its magic. It’s become a North East Christmas tradition that I hope will last forever.
Out of the non-traditional classical concerts, which one will be the most fun, unusual or quirky?
I must go with ‘fun’—our Star Wars concerts on May the 4th. The orchestra dresses up as some of the most iconic characters from the franchise and performs some of the greatest film music ever written. Admittedly, playing the cor anglaise (English horn) while wearing a full Chewbacca suit isn’t the easiest task, but it’s the most fun we have on stage all year!
