The Evanesco Duo
About Us
We are the Evanesco Duo, a Bassoonist and Flautist from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, studying under the leadership of Robert Plane, ex-principal clarinet of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Our aim is to go around the UK and share our love of chamber music, hopefully encouraging others to enjoy it as much as we do.
Meet the Bassoonist
Hello, I’m Karol! I am 19 years old, originally from Poland, and moved to Bridgend, South Wales when I was 11. In year 10, I chose to begin learning the Bassoon, when it was suggested to me by my music teacher at the time. I immediately knew it was the instrument for me, as there were very few bassoonists in my county, and I enjoyed playing an instrument that not many other musicians did. To start off with, I joined the Bridgend Music Service, and then auditioned for the Junior Conservatoire at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, successfully gaining a place in 2018. Here I studied with Robert Codd, an ex-Principal Bassoonist of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.
In September 2020, I then gained a scholarship position at the senior college and am now in my second year studying with Steve Marsden, the principal bassoon of the Welsh National Opera. Alongside this, I am a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales. The highlight of my musical journey so far, was performing with the National Youth Wind Orchestra under the baton of Pete Harrison at the Hoddinott Hall.
Karol is also a freelance conductor, studying privately with Stefano Boccacci. He is the conductor of his own Sonzeira Chamber Orchestra and recently guest conducted the RWCMD string ensemble at BBC's 100th Anniversary at the National Museum in Cardiff
Outside of music, I love to cook, game and cycle.
Meet the Flautist
Hi, I'm Sophie! I am 19 years old, from Thatcham, Berkshire. My dream to become a professional flautist began at a young age when I got to try out an old flute at home. Following that, I joined Berkshire Maestros and studied with Benjamin Copeman. I was a member of many ensembles including Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra (BYSO), Newbury Concert Band and Newbury Flute Choir where I played flute, piccolo and bass flute. In 2019, I attended the Oxford Flute Summer School on their Performers Course, working closely with Robert Manasse from the London Mozart Players.
In September 2020, I gained a scholarship to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with Jonathan Burgess, the principal flute of the Welsh National Opera. A highlight performance for me so far would be when I got to play Principal Flute for BYSO in the “Music Leads the Way” concert at the Royal Albert Hall. I was also fortunate to participate in a National Youth Orchestra Inspire day as a piccolo player, where we performed Smetana’s “Ma Vlast”. Other than playing the flute, I love to sing, game and do yoga.
