Vivamus are absolutely thrilled to be working with the incomparable Anna Le Hair. Anna has a busy and varied career as a performer, teacher, accompanist, ABRSM examiner, adjudicator and conductor. She’ll be playing piano in our upcoming concert at Hitchin Winter Festival. Here, we chat to Anna about her career so far, and what she’s looking ahead to next.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I studied music at Edinburgh University, and then went on to do a postgraduate course at the Royal College of Music in London. I have what might be termed a portfolio career, teaching piano, examining for ABRSM, performing both solo and with others (as part of duo partnerships and chamber music groups), and accompanying choirs, to name but a few. I currently live in Tring where I have a thriving private teaching practice and run a regular monthly series of concerts which I founded at our local church. I teach and accompany at St Albans School, and give many recitals in and around the south east and further afield.

How did your journey into music begin?

My mother used to play the piano a lot, and as soon as I could reach the keys I tried to copy what she was doing. I started piano lessons at the age of five, and it’s been clear to me ever since that earning my living through music was all I wanted to do. I used to play the piano for a young families service at our church in Bedford, and set myself the challenge of sight reading different pieces each week for the voluntaries (sight reading has been a particular skill ever since). And I entered the Bedfordshire Music Festival every year, often taking part in the winners’ concerts. These were formative experiences!

Do you have any recent career highlights?

A few years ago I played some concerts in New Zealand with the violinist Arwen Newband, with whom I work a lot as a duo, which was an amazing experience. More recently I spent a summer examining for ABRSM in Malaysia, which I really enjoyed (although it was hard work!). And recording the piano duet version of Brahms’ Requiem with Chiltern Choir in Chorleywood has to be up there, as well as just a few weeks ago playing piano in a huge performance of Carmina Burana in Berkhamsted with massed choirs, another piano and percussion ensemble. Also, I have just had my annual pupils’ concert – it’s always such a highlight to see how they progress each year, and how much enjoyment they get from playing the piano. 

Do you have any advice for current or aspiring musicians?

Keep focused on your goal. Don’t give up when the going gets tough. Keep practising! Make all the contacts you can. Accept things even if they are not paid, as that’s how you can make contacts. Follow your gut instincts. Never stop finding the magic in music.

What are you looking forward to about working with Vivamus for ‘Saint Nicolas’?

I’m looking forward to playing a work I know well with such a wonderful group of musicians, and exploring it in a new and different way.

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Book your tickets to see Anna perform with Vivamus at the Hitchin Winter Festival, at 4.30pm on 30 November. You can also visit Anna’s website.