Music

I both appreciate and enjoy playing many different types of music.

I have been fortunate to play clarinet in a number of orchestras, concert bands, and small groups over the years. I have been playing clarinet since I was 12 years old, and still take masterclass lessons from time to time.

In addition to playing the traditional Bb and A clarinets (which are typical for orchestra), I also play a number of other members of the clarinet family. This includes Eb clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Contrabass clarinet, and Basset Horn.

In 2021-2022, I had the opportunity to perform on basset horn for the Mozart Gran Partita (Serenade No.10 in Bb, K. 361/370a) not only once, but twice. First with the North York Concert Orchestra and second with the Hart House Orchestra. Then in 2023, I had to chance to perform the Mozart Requiem on basset horn with the York Chamber Orchestra and Tapestry Chamber Choire for two sold-out performances. I am fortunate to own a matched pair of basset horns, which comes in very handy sometimes.

In past years, I have also played tenor sax in various big bands.

Some highlights of my music career have included: going on tour with the Hart House Orchestra to Germany in May 2019; playing the opening to Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue (on clarinet of course); performing The Planets suite by Gustov Holst (both orchestra and concert band versions); and playing the alto clarinet solo in Percy Granger's Lincolnshire Posy.

Currently, my wife and I regularly play with the Hart House Orchestra (Toronto, Ontario, Canada). I play clarinet and she plays oboe/english-horn.

Note: Photo on the right is of me (left) and my friend Le Lu with our basset horns, after a concert with the Hart House Orchestra in November 2022.