Three clarinetists will bring a wonderfully retrospective program ranging from New Orleans to contemporary and set in tasteful arrangements created by the players when the Music on Sunday winter series begins on January 15 at The Old School House (TOSH).
Presenting an historical tribute to jazz clarinet will be Francois Houle, Tom Colclough and Liam Hockley with Ron Hadley on piano and Joey Smith on bass.
Hockley, who grew up in these parts, is working on his Master of Music degree, majoring in clarinet performance, at the University of British Columbia, where he studies with Vancouver Symphony Orchestra clarinetist Cris Inguanti. During his undergraduate years at the University of Victoria, he performed with the UVic Orchestra and Wind Symphony and played in chamber groups of all sizes and instrumentation, performing everything from wind trios by Mozart to the premiers of new works by student composers.
In April of 2009, Hockley was the featured soloist in performances of Rossini’s Introduction, Theme and Variations by the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra. Hockley often performs in Oceanside with the clarinet trio, Horns of Plenty. Shawn Earle and Kate Frobeen are part of the trio and they performed several mini concerts in various locations around Qualicum Beach during the annual Harvest of music back in the fall.
Houle has established himself as one of today’s most inventive musicians, in all of the diverse musical spheres he embraces: classical, jazz, new music, improvised music, and world music. Whether he’s performing works by Mozart or Messiaen, appearing as a featured soloist with an orchestra, or improvising and embracing live, interactive electronics, Houle demystifies music for audiences everywhere. Inspired by collaborations with the world’s top musical innovators, Houle has developed a unique improvisational language, virtuosic and rich with sonic embellishment and technical extensions.
Colclough, one of Canada’s most sought after session musicians, has been a fixture in the Vancouver jazz, pop and blues scene since the 1980s. He is a two-time West Coast Music Award winner for his distinctive saxophone and clarinet playing. Although he did not win, he was one of the nominees for jazz clarinetist of the year for the eighth annual Canadian National Jazz Awards in 2009.
Music on Sunday Jan. 15 goes from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Old School House Arts Centre, 122 Fern Road West, in Qualicum Beach. Admission is $16. For more information phone 250-752-6133 or visit www.theoldschoolhouse.org.