Helen Deakin
How do you bring music to the people of Dartmouth?
I have worked very hard to develop the classical music programme at the Flavel. I’m a trustee and I organise the lunchtime concerts, direct the Flavel Ensemble and run workshops for pianists and piano teachers. I also devised the new International Classical Series, which has brought artists such as Tasmin Little and Leon McCawley to the town.
Tell us about the Ensemble…
It’s a group of enthusiastic people who come together every other Tuesday at the Flavel to play chamber music. They also get together to rehearse in each other’s houses. The repertoire ranges from Baroque to the 20th century and the aim is for members to explore a wide range of music, improve their skills and, above all, enjoy themselves.
Why did you start the lunchtime concerts?
I wanted to give people access to music in an everyday ‘short burst’ experience. We hold one a month and it’s intended to be an enjoyable way to pass half an hour in your lunch break. It’s open to everyone, any age and is free with a retiring collection. They are very popular.
Are we a musical town?
We certainly have a loyal classical music following here and I’m pleased to say concert numbers have grown in the past 10 years – we now regularly draw audiences of 80 to 90 people to the lunchtime concerts and the Classical Series comes close to selling out.
When did you first realise you were interested in music?
I could remember a tune and hum or sing it back when I was really young. I started playing the family piano when I was six and when I was a teenager I took up the clarinet, as I liked the sound. I went on to study both instruments at the Royal Academy of Music.
Is music in the blood?
Well, my two boys are also musical; they were both in the National Youth Orchestra when they were young - playing principal parts. One of them is coming to give a piano duet concert at the Flavel in August with his wife who is a Russian concert pianist.
What do you do when you aren’t at the Flavel?
I’m an examiner with the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music so I travel all over the world listening to people trying to achieve their next grade. I’m also an adjudicator on the panel of the British and International Federation of Festivals so I go to events across Britain and Northern Ireland.
Where do you enjoy travelling to most?
My favourites are probably Hong Kong, New Zealand and Northern Ireland. There are some great people in Northern Ireland. I love the food in Hong Kong except dim sum – I can’t bear dim sum! After all these visits I’m now quite good with chopsticks! I think New Zealand is fascinating – it’s so far away from home. One of my best memories is having dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Sky Tower in Auckland.
Are you a strict examiner?
We have to work to precise criteria but I do try and make people feel at ease. Some are really nervous, especially if they are going for a high grade.
How often do you practise at home?
I play the piano for a couple of hours a day if I can. Back when I was a student we had to do six hours a day. I never go long without practising, it would be like an athlete not training – you need to stay in the game.
Where can we find you on a Saturday afternoon?
Usually in the garden or on our boat out on the Dart.
It seems music really was the path for you but in another world what career would you have taken?
I can speak a couple of languages so it probably would have been something along those lines - perhaps an interpreter.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Bendicks Bittermints. I always have a pack on the go.
What can’t you live without?
My garden, I love it.
For information about concerts, chamber music, piano workshops and private lessons contact Helen on 01803 835882.
First published By The Dart magazine July 2017
