The Clarinet Club (TCC) is back with its fourth annual A Clarinet Affair, bigger and better than ever!
From the softest whisper of the Eb to the rich tones of the Contra-bass, this year’s concert is a celebration of the clarinet’s incredible range. TCC will be taking you on a musical journey through the clarinet family.
“The Clarinet Club has thrived thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of our diverse members. Each person brings something special to the table – whether they’re performing as soloists or managing our events. Their passion for the clarinet and their commitment to sharing that passion have driven us forward. Looking back, we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come as a group and individually. It’s been amazing to see our members grow and flourish musically and personally.” shared TCC founder Gena Ng and key member Teow Yue Se.
Over the years, its members have had many fantastic moments.
One particular trip abroad stood out as one of the key moments of TCC journey so far, namely the Thailand International Clarinet Academy in 2022 and their trip to Chiang Mai in 2023 to Payap University where they get to perform together and immerse themselves in new musical experiences, learning from various clarinet professionals.
“Another big highlight is our annual concert series, where we have the chance to perform at the Esplanade Recital Studio. It’s really special to see musicians of all levels play and grow together and over the years. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, everyone’s energy and effort make these events unforgettable,” shared the both of them.
In Saturday evening’s concert, TCC hopes to present a vibrant display of the clarinet’s rich colours and textures and showcase the versatility of the clarinet, and provide a platform where individuals of all skill levels can play musically and shine through the music.
“Our members, including students from the Republic Polytechnic Wind Symphony, have put in much effort to create a dynamic and engaging performance. We are also thankful to have professional clarinetist David Kwek with us this time as a soloist, and we have learnt much from his playing. It’s wonderful to see our members with different roles come together to celebrate the clarinet and enjoy music-making!”
The main highlight of the concert is titled ‘Concertpiece for Two Clarinets and Clarinet Choir’, with TCC’s soloists Nathan Chin and David Kwek. Expect to be wowed by their virtuosic playing with soaring melodic lines and long running passages, and do listen out for the beautiful slow section with an emotional cadenza.
TCC will also be presenting well-known classics like ‘First Suite in Eb’ by Gustav Holst, ‘Irish Tune County Derry’ by Percy Grainger and ‘Waltz No. 2’ by Dimitri Shostakovich, arranged for clarinet ensemble, as well as exciting original works for clarinet ensembles like ‘Caduta Libera’ by Enrico Blatti and ‘Joyful Clarinets’ by Toshio Mashima. These pieces will bring out rich harmonies and different tone colours of the clarinet.
Looking ahead, TCC will also be embarking on several upcoming projects and initiatives, by planning more travel opportunities to explore new musical environments and deepen our experiences.
“We’re focused on expanding our repertoire and enhancing our members’ playing skills, so a key goal for next year is to increase our collaborations with other musical groups and artists. We’re eager to connect more with the community through the clarinet, finding new ways to engage and share our passion for music. Building these connections will help us continue to grow and create enriching experiences for both our members and our audience,” Gena and Yue Se shared.
Let the music from “A Clarinet Affair” carry you away on a kaleidoscope of sound. Don’t miss this unforgettable musical experience with The Clarinet Club!
A Clarinet Affair
Saturday, 7 September 2024
Esplanade Recital Studio, 5.30pm