This week, In Conversation is on tour at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music, in Townsville. Simon Moore caught up with French Horn player Katy Woolley, who has been dubbed by one critic as possibly the finest horn player of her generation and one of the UK’s greatest exports. She’s the principal horn of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and prior to that had been the principal horn of the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, a position she had held from just 22 years of age. With that orchestra, as well as during guest appearances with the London Mozart Players and the New York Philharmonic, she’s performed some of the key parts of the solo horn repertoire. 

In this conversation, Katy shares some honest thoughts about the ups and downs of her career, and speaks with enormous enthusiasm about her musical selections.

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music this year runs until 6 August. Festival director Jack Liebeck has curated an absolutely delightful schedule of concerts, talks and other events. It’s a great excuse for a winter break of great music in a perfect setting, next year’s festival will run from 26 July to 4 August 2024.