Josephine Frieze

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The Orchestra

Josephine Frieze

Percussion
Adopted by Peter and Susan Rathe

Josephine Frieze was born in Cheshire and started playing the drums aged 12. During her teens, Jo attended the Junior Department of the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, continuing her studies at the Royal College of Music in London, and the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin, as an undergraduate.

Keen to pursue a career as an orchestral percussionist, Jo became a member of the European Union Youth Orchestra and was a Fellow at both Tanglewood and Aspen music festivals. During this time, Jo was offered a position with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and has since made her home in Liverpool with her husband and two sons.

Fun Fact:
In her spare time Jo enjoys cycling, reading and watching Coronation Street.

What is your earliest musical memory?

As a toddler I would ask for a stick to tap things in the street as I was pushed past them in my pram. I loved seeing what noise everything made when it was hit with a beater.

Who is your biggest musical inspiration and why?

I was very lucky to be taught in Berlin years ago by Thomas Lutz of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester, whose percussion technique methods stick with me today.

What is your most memorable moment with the Orchestra so far?

Playing the vibraphone solo in John Williams' 'Catch me if you can' soundtrack.

What is the best thing about being a member of the Royal Lvierpool Philharmonic Orchestra?

Knowing that you are striving, along with all your colleagues, to perform the music to the best of your abilities. It's very rewarding when everyone's pulling out all the stops.

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone wanting to follow in your footsteps what would it be?

Always aim high and never be limited by other people's expectations.