A SOLO by a chart-topping clarinetist promises to be one of the highlights of Ealing Symphony Orchestra’s (ESO) concert.
Emma Johnson said she was delighted to have the chance to play with ESO, widely regarded as one of the best amateur orchestras in the country.
She will be playing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto, which she says is perfectly suited to the festival’s Valentine theme.
She said: “It’s very appropriate, a slow piece with a huge amount of variety. It has a dramatic beginning with an extremely up tempo and uplifting final section – all extremely melodic at the same time. It encompasses all sorts of emotions and feelings. Like a great Shakespeare play it has a bit of everything and it’s stood the test of time.”
The piece featured in the romantic film Out of Africa and is one many people are likely to recognise, even if not by name.
Ms Johnson, of Blackheath, shot to fame after winning BBC Young Musician of the Year in 1984 aged 17.
She has made about 30 CDs, played in major venues across the world and was made an MBE in 1996.
The musician, who runs workshops in primary schools to inspire youngsters, said she hoped the festival would encourage more people to discover the joy of classical music.
She said: “I think it’s terribly important musicians are aware of bringing music to people who haven’t necessarily got any background in it. Knowing there are a lot of people in the audience who will be hearing a piece for the first time does affect how you play it. You really want it to go well and feel you’ll have let people down if it doesn’t speak to them.”
The orchestra will also be playing Girl Crazy by Gershwin, the Romeo and Juliet Overture by Tchiakovsky and Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov.
The concert will be held at Ealing Town Hall on February 16 at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £20, £18 concessions.
Visit www.ealingmusicandfilmfestival.org to find out more.
