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Family Legacy

Musical Family

My father (Olly) and mother (Sue) were extraordinary musicians, but the legacy of music in the Knussen family is a long and interesting one, heavily based in the orchestral world. My great-grandfather was a cellist in the Halle Orchestra, my grandfather was principal bass of many orchestras including the BBC Symphony and LSO, and his brother was an orchestral bass and tuba player as well as an orchestral manager. My uncle is currently a freelance bass player and I have many cousins who perform and teach music.

The wonderful thing in our family is that everyone plays by choice. It’s just what we do.

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Oliver Knussen (1952–2018)

Composer, Conductor, Mentor/Teacher, and Artistic Director

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Sue Knussen (1949–2003)

Television and Radio Director/Producer, Music Educator, and New Music Advocate

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