Pipes, poetry and prose – the solo clarinet and the spoken word

In this enterprising new recital programme, inspired by a wide-ranging appreciation of literature and language alongside her love of the clarinet, Margaret presents poetry readings and some prose in the context of music for solo clarinet. The well known and the less familiar are interwoven to create a juxtaposition of words and music designed to be absorbing and thought-provoking as well as entertaining, bringing a fresh perspective to both.

Margaret is a busy soloist, chamber musician and orchestral player.She has been Sub-principal Clarinet of the London Mozart Players for twenty-five years and enjoys a diverse freelance career ranging from recital and concerto appearances to work in London’s West End theatre pits. She is constantly seeking new ways to engage with her audiences and has devised a string of interactive performance projects for young people and families as well as being a favourite presenter of talks in the LMP series “Music Matters”.

Boxwood and Blackwood – the historical view

This presentation offers a chance to see Margaret’s fantastic collection of historical and modern clarinets, from the 2-key boxwood instrument typical of 1730 to the wide-ranging family of Boehm system instruments, and to hear some of the repertoire that this new-comer to the woodwind section inspired. A friendly, informal style of presentation involves the audience and invites questions. Margaret has travelled to Japan, the USA and Europe with the Academy of Ancient Music, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, English Bach Festival, English Concert, Gabrieli Consort, Hanover Band, London Classical Players and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performing on a wide range of historical clarinets and basset horns from the late Baroque, classical and romantic periods. She is professor of period clarinet at Trinity College of Music and her lecture-recitals have become something of a speciality.