MUSICIAN
Performance has always been a strong element of my musical life. After leaving the London College of Music I received guidance and tuition from the clarinettist David Campbell for many years; it was his commitment and inspiration that led to my interest in chamber music. I am a member of the Helicon Ensemble, a trio for clarinet, cello and piano, which has performed at many music societies across the UK. In 2002, when I moved to Wiltshire, I formed the Wessex Clarinet Quartet which performs a wide variety of music for the concert platform and educational projects. Currently, I am preparing recitals for clarinet, voice and piano, as well as a programme for clarinet and piano with Gilmour MacLeod to mark 30 years of performing together.
The Helicon Ensemble
The Helicon Ensemble, the core of which is a clarinet, ‘cello and piano trio was formed by Simon Parker, Gilmour Macleod and Simon Trentham in 1998. Simon Parker and Gilmour Macleod have been performing as a duo since 1989 and were later joined by Simon Trentham.
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As well as playing the established German repertoire the ensemble also explores a diversity of musical styles and cultures with a special emphasis on British composers, as shown in their concert programmes.
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British Music Information Centre
John McCabe – Sonata for clarinet cello and piano
Howard Skempton – Lullaby
Nicholas Ray – Prelude No.3
Dave Heath – On Fire for cello and piano
John McCabe – 3 pieces for clarinet and piano
Dave Heath – Fight the Lion
Kenneth Leighton – Fantasy on an American Hymn Tune
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Calne Music Festival
Kenneth Leighton – Fantasy on an American Hymn Tune
Mozart – Kegelstatt K498 Clarinet Trio in Eb
Ries – Trio Op.28 for Clarinet, ‘Cello & Piano
Bruch – “Rumanische Melodie” – Trio Op.83 No.5
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Letchworth Music Club
Mozart – Trio in Bb. K.502 for Piano, Violin & Cello
Bruch – 8 Pieces Op.83 No.5 in F Minor – Romanian
Farrenc – Trio for Clarinet, ‘Cello & Piano in Eb, Op 44
Max Bruch – 8 Pieces Op.83 – No.1 in A Minor
Milhaud – Suite for Clarinet, Violin & piano Op 157 (1937)
Ignaz Moscheles – Fantasy, Variations and Finale for Clarinet, Violin, ‘Cello & Piano in C, Op 46
Wessex Clarinet Quartet
Wessex Clarinet Quartet are an exciting and energetic Clarinet Quartet. Based in the Southwest they are comprised of four respected, professional musicians who are experienced in the fields of music performance and education. They have given a variety of concerts from recitals and performance lectures to weddings and other private celebrations. They thrive on the wonderful colours of the clarinet family with the use of the smallest instrument, the Eb Clarinet, and the largest, the Bass Clarinet. Wessex Clarinet Quartet provides an unusual alternative to a string quartet. Not limited to venues with a piano, the quartet provides more flexibility when choosing your performance setting. Wessex Clarinet Quartet draws on a wide range of repertoire for this ensemble.
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