Clarinettist hits high note with orchestral backing

Community Engagement Manager

A local musician will have his “dream come true” this Sunday when he performs with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra (DCO)

Frank Talbot is excited to be playing Carl Maria von Weber’s Clarinet Concerto No.1 in F minor with the orchestra, which will also perform the composer’s Symphony

“It is kind of a big moment for me,”

“This has kind of been a dream for a long time – to perform a concerto with an

He’s played the concerto before, for assessments at university, but only with a piano accompanist, not the full backing of

Talbot said the piece is an absolute favourite of his for the way the orchestral parts interplay with the clarinet, and for the musical themes running through it.

He also appreciates the reserved nature board@rosecentre.co.nz facebook.com/rosecentre

Where others can put a focus on “how fast you can play”, it comes together as a complete piece of music, he said.

The former Takapuna Grammar School student played occasionally with the DCO before going to Wellington to study for a Bachelor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music, Victoria University.

He compares the feeling of returning to play with the orchestra to “visiting your old school”.

As a professional musician – largely in the jazz sphere – Talbot doesn’t often get nervous before a performance, but admits to being a little on edge before this one.

“Mostly the nerves being for myself and that this is the opportunity to do it, and I don’t want to let myself down on that.

“This is a piece I hold very dear. It’s like my favourite work in the clarinet repertoire and I really want to do it justice.”

It won’t only be himself he’s eager to impress. Conductor Warwick Robinson – the head of music at Westlake Boys High School – has a masters in clarinet performance and will be well aware of any mistakes, Talbot said.

Although the DCO performance is at the forefront of his mind, Talbot also has upcoming concerts across the country with his jazz band, the Franktastic Four.

His debut album, Mundane Life Updates, which was released in February, has been well received.

• Devonport Chamber Orchestra, Holy Trinity, 30 July at 2pm.

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DEPOT Sound

DEPOT Sound are delighted to announce the winners of our North Shore Schools Songwriting Competition!

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION:

Winner - Sienna Fitzgerald

Runner up - Maia Potter

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION:

Winner - Lily Williams

Runner up - Elias Matheson

Runner up - Caleb Wright

Congratulations to our winners and runners up, and thank you to everyone who entered!

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Visit depot.org.nz for more information!

Amy Saunders General Manager, DEPOT amy.saunders@depot.org.nz