Get to know… Carl Davis

Carl Davis, Photo: Richard Cannon

On Monday 3 January, Southbank Centre is screening Charlie Chaplin’s classic silent film, The Gold Rush, with live accompaniment from the Philharmonia Orchestra, conducted by Carl Davis. We caught up with Carl to ask him our quick questions. Watch this space for more from Carl as we quiz him about his reconstruction of Chaplin’s score and his favourite Chaplin moments.

What do you fear the most?
Being unprepared.

Which mobile number do you call the most?
My own office.

What – or where – is perfection?
A Bach Fugue.

Who is your favourite hero from fiction (book/comic/film/opera)?
Cyrano de Bergerac.

What’s your favourite ritual?
Keeping my collection of souvenir office mugs  complete.

Which living person do you most admire (and why)?
At this moment in time, the baritone Christian Gerhaher for his raw emotion and consummate artistry.

What other talent or skill would you like to possess?
A beautiful singing voice.

Tell us about a special memory you have of Southbank Centre?
Conducting the triptych from Napoleon.

If you could programme your ideal Southbank Centre show, which artists (living or dead) would you bring together?
The late Kirsten Flagstad and Wilhelm Furtwangler with the Philharmonia Orchestra performing Tristan und Isolde.

What’s your favourite website?
Amazon.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Wait 24 hours before reacting in print!

What is the most played piece of music on your MP3 player or in your CD collection?
Elin Manahan Thomas singing Handel.

Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush at Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall on Monday 3 January. More info