About this Event
Ben Westlake:
"Ben's extraordinary sound and musicality are outstanding" - Karl Leister (principal clarinet of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra)
"Ben's like a magician with a large wand" - Charles Hazelwood (conductor and judge on BBC Two's Classical Star, 2007)
"... an extraordinary musician with a fantastic sound" - Patrick Messina (principal clarinet of the Orchestre National de France)
"The Boris Johnson of classical music" - recent audience member
Tyler Hay:
"A masterly display of artistry and showmanship... he introduced the programme with amusing anecdotes and the ease and charm of a Victor Borge" - Christopher Axworthy Music Commentary
"Phenomenally good" ★★★★★ - International Piano Magazine
"Like a man possessed... with technique to spare" ★★★★★ - Pianist Magazine"Intelligent and insightful" - Gramophone Magazine
Ben Westlake was a child prodigy clarinettist before developing the rare chronic neuromuscular disease Myasthenia gravis at the age of 19, which has severely impacted his capacity to play since. For the first time in public he tells his story of the difficulties he has faced and how through innovation, bravery, and sheer passion for music he has adapted the traditional recital format not only to be able to perform again - but to bring great music to the widest possible audience while doing so. Together with his longtime friend and duo partner Tyler Hay, one of the most remarkable British pianists of his generation, they showcase a performance of the kind that has proved so popular with audiences on luxury cruise ships in recent years - for the first time in London. Culminating in a special 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, they present virtuosic highlights from Verdi’s opera La traviata - complete with Ben’s synopsis, which may save you several hours at the opera house! Also featuring favourite masterpieces from the clarinet repertoire by Mozart and Weber, as well as a showpiece once enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth II. Expect to be astonished by their virtuosity, moved by the beauty of the music, and laughing out loud at their self-deprecating sense of humour - while learning more about disability and a young musician’s inspiring journey of reinvention to return to the stage. Enjoy a drink in the splendid setting of The National Liberal Club while witnessing this special, one-off concert.
Programme:
André Messager: Solo de concours
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Adagio from Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622
John Field: Selection from Nocturnes
Carl Maria von Weber: Rondo from Grand Duo Concertant, Op. 48, J. 204
Interval
Giuseppe Verdi: La traviata
George Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, London, United Kingdom
GBP 10.00 to GBP 25.00
