In this new series, you’ll get to know OBS’s principal musicians. In the style of a Q&A, you’ll learn about their musical journeys so far, highlights with OBS, what they like to do in their free time, and more.
Next, we have harpsichordist Anhad Arora.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your musical journey to date.
I was born and brought up in London, where I attended RCMJD on Saturdays, before coming to Oxford in 2016 to read Music at Lady Margaret Hall. I haven’t left Oxford since. I took two further degrees, the last of which, a DPhil on Orientalism and the early nineteenth-century German Lied, I’ve recently finished. My life is pretty evenly split between the desk and the harpsichord stool.
How long have you been performing with OBS and what has been a highlight?
Since 2018, if I remember correctly, when I was third-year undergraduate. The group and my playing have evolved since then! I really enjoyed the tour to New York in May 2024. Working with the director Peter Sellers was really inspiring. I hadn’t done anything like that before. I’m also really grateful to Katie and the team for giving me the opportunity to put together the most recent Toccata series.
What do you enjoy most about working with OBS?
It is a real privilege to play Bach with such excellent musicians. I really enjoy working with my continuo colleagues in particular. Each of us has a distinct sound and personality, and I learn a lot in every rehearsal.
What do you like to do when you’re not performing?
I enjoy reading, watching films, cooking, and walking (nowhere in particular, just around).
