Charles Fullbrook was born in London and studied at the Royal Academy of Music under James Blades OBE. He has participated in literally hundreds of recordings and performances in a career that has spread over four decades.
Collaborations have included the Panufnic Concertino with Evelyn Glennie. He was for some considerable time percussionist with the chamber group Capricorn and it was with them and others, such as the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Sinfonietta that he took part in many world premiers, e.g. “Death in Venice” – Britten, “Thallein” – Xenakis and “Slow Frieze” – Sir Harrison Birtwistle.
He was teacher of percussion/timpani at the Watford School of Music (1978-81) and at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama (1987-2001). He is currently professor of timpani at Trinity College of Music (Trinity Laban) and has given many consultation lessons – notably with Lars Hoffner, timpanist of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra. He was appointed timpanist with the City of London Sinfonia in 1987. His other timpani ‘chairs’ include: The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Ex Cathedra, The King’s Consort, The Milton Keynes City Orchestra, the Sixteen (the Symphony of Harmony and Invention), the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra and Collegium Musicum 90.
Speed Interview
What/when was your big breakthrough?
Probably when I was awarded a Junior Exhibition to study at the RAM.
What do you fear the most?
Man’s inhumanity to man.
Which mobile number do you call the most?
That of my wife Chrissie.
What – or where – is perfection?
Probably unattainable as far as mere mortals are concerned. On a mundane level perpetual motion in the context of the one-handed drumroll would come pretty close.
Who is your favourite hero from fiction (book/comic/film/opera) – and why?
Clint Eastwood for fighting the good fight and always overcoming evil.
What’s your favourite ritual?
Not an original thought, but enjoying a relaxing soak in a hot bath takes some beating, even without the candles and champagne!
Which living person do you most admire (and why)?
Nelson Mandela for his sheer strength of character and unerring humility.
What other talent or skill would you like to possess?
The power to heal by the laying on of hands.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
That there is always someone worse off than yourself.
What is the most played piece of music on your MP3 player or in your CD collection?
Spem in Alium nunquam habui by Thomas Tallis (In none other than thee oh God do I put my trust).
What’s the best thing about working with the OAE?
The high quality and commitment of the music making.
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