The Last Word

The Last Word – Lucy Melvin

Lucy Melvin, violinist. 2nd violinist with the Callia Quartet, violin teacher and Artistic Director of Chamber Players is also a proud mother of two daughters.

How long have you lived in the area?

I moved to West Dulwich in 2001 (so nearly 20 years of my life has been spent in South London), and then moved to Sydenham in 2006, where I now still live. I was born in North London, and my North London roots are still very strong, but my children are born and bred South Londoners, and we love this corner of London.

What brought you here?

Gravity! (As a North Londoner being pulled South of the River, Gravity can be the only possible explanation).

What has changed most during that time?

I think that the area has very much stayed the same, but how we see things is very much influenced by current situations. Before my children were born, I led a very busy freelance career, travelling around a lot for work. My life became a lot more localised after having children, and I was able to appreciate all the wonderful assets we have here, such as the Dulwich Picture Gallery, the Horniman Museum and all of the different parks near-by.

What do you most value about your street?

I live on the most wonderful street. It is like a little country lane, which immediately takes you away from the hustle and bustle, it is very quiet. The street is lined with houses of different styles of architecture. My house is in the middle of a crescent of 1960s built townhouses. I love the modern style of architecture which can be found around parts of Dulwich and Sydenham.

Do you know your neighbours?

I am incredibly lucky in living in my street. It has always had a special feeling about it. The older teenage children would babysit my own children when they were younger. We have a Summer street party, and Halloween is something that all of the children have gown up looking forward to. Fireworks at New Years Eve etc. It really is like a little village all of its’ own. It became even more special during Lockdown last year. We did concerts in the street, and bingo and quiz events. It became a real focal point for us all, we could see each-other and enjoy some entertainment, all at a safe distance.

The most famous person you’ve met?

As a violinist, I have worked with quite a few famous people over the years, but when it comes down to it, they are just every-day people doing their job too (right?). that probably makes me sound really selfrighteous, but it’s true though.

Do you belong to any groups?

My work is with the Callia Quartet. 3 out of 4 of us live in South East London. Dorothea lives in Honor Oak Park, and Claire is also in Sydenham. Graham doesn’t live in London, but the other group which he performs with: Classico Latino also rehearses in Dulwich, so he is an honorary S.E. Londoner. The Summer School which I run is also based in Sydenham, and most of the tutors who teach on the course live in Sydenham. There are many musicians here, and you can’t go far without bumping into a colleague or two along the way.

Describe your perfect weekend

My weekends before Lockdowns were always pretty busy, either performing concerts, or preparing for various projects which I have on the go, I loved the spontaneity of my weekends. Not having any particular structure, but seizing the moment with