Magdalena Gruca-Broadbent

What was your earliest musical experience? What inspired you to take up the violin?
When I was about six (I was born and grew up in Poland), my Dad brought me a few records of Russian music (mainly songs, sung by children) from Moscow, where he went on a work -related trip. I loved the music so much, listening to it constantly on my record player, learned the songs all by heart, sung them in ‘fluent’ Russian, not really knowing what I was singing about.
A couple of years later I was learning to play the violin in a local music school (funded by the communist government!!) and having compulsory Russian language lessons too!

Are you from a musical family? What did you listen to when you were growing up?
I grew up listening to newly emerging music from beyond the iron curtain, pop and rock bands. I remember extremely well, when I first heard The Beatles songs on a record (I was seven or eight then) and quite poorly in bed with bad tonsillitis. The music had an almost instant healing effect on me, as I forgot all about pain and felt totally amazed. By the age of ten, I was deeply fascinated by rock, and then punk, metal, synth and pop music and culture. I discovered classical music much later in life.

Have you always wanted to play in an orchestra?
Once I discovered classical music, and actually started enjoying playing the violin (instrument so uncool, when you are into drums and guitars!)

What do you enjoy most about your job?
What I love and appreciate the most about being a musician is the almost daily experience of getting in touch and expressing deep emotions through music playing. It’s very uplifting and soul enriching. I also feel very inspired by some conductors and soloists that come to work with us. I absolutely adore working with our principal conductor Kirill Karabits!

Which piece of music do you enjoy playing?
Strauss' Four Last Songs, almost all Brahms, Shostakovich, Prokofiev. Recently I really enjoyed playing the ballet music by Khachaturian.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? What are your hobbies?
I spent most of my free time with my two children, and when they’re at school, I love sweating out at the RPM class at my local gym! Oh, and have a BIG meal afterwards! I love cooking too! Usually my own variations on Jamie Oliver. Not always greatly appreciated by my children, I must add.

Does your family come to see you play in concerts?
Occasionally I bring my children to our concerts. I often wish my parents could come and see me play, but they live in Poland. We need a Polish tour!!