Mark Jenkins

Welcome to Bittersweet Symphony, a podcast about the bitter, sweet and bittersweet memories and experiences of classical musicians during the pandemic. My fellow musicians share their reflections on what they learned and discovered about themselves during this extraordinary and challenging time, and how they want to live going forward. Hosted and produced by me, Cliodhna Ryan, a violinist, it’s an intimate and heart-warming exploration of the human spirit.

My guest in episode nine is double bassist Mark Jenkins, someone I usually see across the stage in rehearsals and concerts.

Born and raised in South Wales, he went to music college there at the prestigious Welsh College of Music and Drama. London beckoned and so off he went to Guildhall School of Music and Drama for his postgraduate studies, after which he freelanced throughout the UK. His move to Ireland happened in 1995 when he was appointed as a tutti player in the then RTE National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland. Since 1999, he has been Associate Principal No.2 with the orchestra. Greystones in Co. Wicklow is where he calls home now, and from where on a clear day he can see his beloved Wales. He enjoys sea swimming...but only in the summer!

Mark shares the bitter experience of being separated from Wales, the sweet memory of his first lockdown birthday and the bittersweet memory of the loss of his dear Aunty Jenny to Covid 19.

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CREDITS

Thumbnail Art || Colm MacAthlaoith

Writers || Mick Jagger, Richard Ashcroft, Keith Richards

Violin || Cliodhna Ryan

Production || Cliodhna Ryan

Mastering || Patrick Stefan Groenland