We spoke to Nonclassical Chair William Norris about music, plants, and what inspires him.
To find out more about William, read about his appointment here.
Photo © Tracy Nolan
what was your first encounter with nonclassical?
Well I’m renowned for having an absolutely awful memory, especially after a drink or two, which I would most likely have had at a Nonclassical event, but I think it was at the Victoria in the mid 2000’s, or possibly at XOYO. At the time I was working for the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and I was working to set up their late-night concert series, The Night Shift, so I, with colleagues, was busy checking out the competition to see how others were doing alternative nights - as you’ll know if you’ve read We Break Strings there was a lot going on at the time. I think Nonclassical and The Night Shift are maybe the only two still going, so it’s nice to have involvement in both now, even if 20 years apart!
Langham Research Centre perform at a Nonclassical event in the 2000s - image © Dimitri Djuric
how did you first end up working in the music industry? what’s made you stick around?
This question reminds me of a lyric from a Pet Shop Boys track (I’m a huge fan) - “I was faced with a choice at a difficult age. Would I write a book? Or take to the stage?” Except that my choice at the end of my Geography degree was…town planning or arts management. I played violin in the Uni orchestra and had ended up doing publicity for them and it slowly dawned on me that this could be a career. So I did a Masters in European Cultural Policy and Management and after what felt like a ton of rejections landed a job at the London Philharmonic Orchestra. I’ve worked in music ever since, and spent a decade at the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, who despite being a historically informed group had one of the most open, fresh and contemporary approach of any ensemble I’ve worked with.
I guess what’s kept me around is that it combines work with a passion, and I love having a tangible ‘thing’ at to work towards - an event with an audience (hopefully) enjoying themselves. Plus…I get pretty frustrated with much of the classical music world’s insularity and resistance to change, so I enjoy contributing my little bit to change that when I can.
what’s a stand out live performance you’ve seen?
Ok this is a difficult one, there have been so many. I’m going to go for one classical and one non, both which gave me that sense of ‘flow’ and euphoria which the best performances can give you. The first was back in my uni days. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra played Vasks Cello Concerto and I was totally swept away by it. In remember my heart beating faster, my hands getting clammy. I’d never heard anything like it before and it was such a rush of emotion and adrenaline. At the end I was so excited that I managed to knock over the bottle that was under my seat (a present) and got red wine EVERYWHERE, which kind of spoilt the moment. Second choice was very different. The Oseaga Festival in Montreal, a balmy summers evening, that warm glow that comes from a day in the sun with a drink or two and then all of that combined with Florence and the Machine. I’d never seen Florence perform before and her stage presence combined with the uplifting power and joy of her songs made for a very very memorable evening.
Notable last mention must go to the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, when we took The Night Shift to the legendary queer club night Duckie. The roar of approval the music of Henry Purcell got was pretty amazing, as was the authentically bawdy participation in one of his drinking songs.
we know from your social media that you’re a big fan of plants. how did you get into them? why do you enjoy them so much?
I think I got into them because my Mum is a very keen gardener - though I’m not sure why I was more drawn to the exotic than the garden. One of my very uncool teenage hobbies (I had several) was growing carnivorous plants - the ones like venus fly traps and pitcher plants that eat flies and insects. I grew other exotic plants back then too, but then my houseplant love took a backseat until, like many people, I got back into it in a big way during lockdown. Since then I’ve amassed far too many plants in my small flat, at best guess I’d say 150+, have a dedicated instagram account for them (@greendr_houseplants) and even sell them on eBay. I particularly enjoy the challenge of growing them from seed - what can grow from sometimes dust-like seeds never ceases to amaze me.
what’s inspiring you at the moment?
This feels like a tough question when so much that is going on in the world seems to me at least to be quite the opposite of inspiring!
I’m always inspired by long walks - that’s my best thinking time. I was recently walking on the Howgill Fells in Cumbria (confusingly part of the Yorkshire Dales), which was a completely awe inspiring landscape. I take inspiration from architecture too, and always try and look up - there’s often loads of beautiful stuff going on above the shop fronts. Lastly I’m trying really hard to tear myself away from my phone and read instead. I’m coming to the end of Ian McEwan’s Lessons, which has been a really thought provoking and moving read, which I don’t really want to finish!
where’s your favourite place to listen to music?
Well one of my other passions is for train travel, and I don’t think you can beat staring out the window, possibly with a glass of wine, and a musical soundtrack somehow making it all cinematic.
For live venues, the London Coliseum and the Royal Festival Hall have special places in my heart, just from the many incredible experiences I’ve had in both places over the years, plus their very different but wonderful architecture. Increasingly though I find the most special experiences are in intimate spaces - I went to the 606 Club for the first time recently, where I was sat almost on top of the performers, which made for a very special night.
what music has been on repeat lately? any specific tracks you’ve been loving?
One recent discovery, thanks to a friend, is Halina Rice. I’ve had her track ‘Terrain’ on repeat recently and am looking forward to seeing her live at Village Underground (one of my favourite venues) very soon.
Going back to those train journeys accompanied by music, I recently did Vienna to London on the train, a fantastic trip. On my way home I became a bit obsessed with Rosin Murphy’s new album, in particularly the track ‘Can’t replicate’. I love how she keeps you hanging on for it to kick in…
I’ve also, of course, been diving into the Nonclassical back catalogue. I’ve particularly enjoyed Klavikon’s self-titled album (I think Leon Michener is the artist behind this), and the hypnotic opening track Angelus. The Outside the Lines albums have also made for great listening.
On the playlist I’ve also included the piece I credit with getting me into contemporary music - ‘News has a kind of mystery’ from John Adams’s opera, Nixon in China. I remember being totally blown away by this the first time I heard it.
A track that’s a total evergreen for me is the Pet Shop Boys’ Left to My Own Devices. Brilliant lyrics, sung with Neil Tennant’s signature deadpan delivery, plus an overblown orchestral accompaniment.
