Laura Ghiro

What got you interested in music?
I really need to thank my big sister for this! She was supposed to start piano lessons, but the day before the piano arrived at our house she told my parents she’d changed her mind! But as soon as the piano arrived I couldn’t stop playing about on it. I was 6 at the time and the piano teacher they had arranged didn’t teach children under the age of 7. After some persuasion however, she finally agreed. The violin came some years later when lessons were offered at my primary school.

Name your favourite Scottish Ensemble collaboration and why?
Goldberg Variations certainly holds a special place in my heart. Apart from being a fabulous show, it was the first collaboration that really pushed us out of our comfort zone. Anything seems possible now!

Where’s your favourite place to perform with Scottish Ensemble, and why?
Playing in the intimate settings of Maggie’s centres is always very special. It is a real privilege to play so close to an ‘audience’ and have them share thoughts and feelings with us. On occasion it can be very emotional, and to be there as human beings, not merely performers, is a real gift.

Of course we can only play as a quartet in these settings. Performing as an Ensemble has a very different feel or buzz. It’s fair to say I have no favourite place to perform with the full group…I just love performing with such a fantastic group of friends.

Where is your favourite place in Scotland?
I do have a soft spot for Perthshire. When I was growing up we had a caravan in Comrie and we’d spend weekends and school holidays there. I loved the community spirit of village life and the numerous walks, bike trips, swimming and outdoor excursions I’d go on with my family. My dad and I would go fishing together, but I’m afraid to say neither of us were very good!