RCS Woodwind

26/05/2026

We concluded our RCS WW@1pm concert series with a programme celebrating all things Double Reed!

This concert followed the success of the first DR Festival held at RCS earlier this year and shone a light on the beauty and diversity of the double reed repertoire.

Thank you to Ian Crowther for sponsoring our guest artist, James Turnbull. James performed beautifully in the concert and delivered a masterclass, offering valuable tips and lovely words of encouragement to the young students ahead of their forthcoming recitals.

Many thanks also to Harsh Mehta, RCS WW Composer in Residence, and BMus 4 bassoonist Nikolas Eleftheriou for their new works, as well as to all the wonderful performers. It was a perfect way to end the season.

26/05/2026

Adam Lee (Co-Principal Clarinet with the BBC Symphony Orchestra) dropped in yesterday to lead the final clarinet technique class of the year. Students received some excellent advice in preparation for their upcoming recitals and were accompanied by RCS Collaborative Pianist Helena Cheong.

Watch out for an exciting announcement about a stronger association we will have with Adam moving forward!

15/05/2026

A fantastic way to end the week with a Clarinet & Bass Clarinet masterclass from Renaud Guy-Rousseau (Principal Bass Clarinet in the Orchestre National de France).

A wonderful day of music-making which was generously sponsored by Buffet Crampon. Thank you also to RCS Collaborative Pianist Helena Cheong.

12/05/2026

It was a privilege to spend this afternoon listening to the five wonderful performers in the final of the Woodwind Governors’ Recital Prize.

Aidan Fowler (saxophone), Tamsin Baird (flute), Lily Chrisp (clarinet), Christopher Lo (saxophone) and Hana Flood (flute) all performed with poise, personality and musical imagination; they should each be very proud of their achievements.

Our adjudicator, Margaret Cookhorn, Principal Contrabassoon and bassoon with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, offered the young players warm words of appreciation and encouragement.

Sincere congratulations to Lily Chrisp, who was highly commended, and to Christopher Lo, who was announced as the winner — a wonderful achievement.

A huge thank you also to our team of accompanists, Claire Haslin, Helena Cheong and Reece Manglicmot, who did a stellar job throughout the afternoon.

12/05/2026

What a treat to welcome Margaret Cookhorn back to the RCS today. Exploring 'From Support to Spotlight' our students had a jam-packed session working on both the bassoon and contra bassoon. Thank you for a fabulous morning Margaret!

11/05/2026

RCS clarinet students enjoyed an inspiring masterclass and workshop on breathing techniques led by the irrepressible Max Martin.

28/04/2026

One of our Clarinet Lecturers, John Cushing has started an exciting new orchestral venture. Please see the below post about the South Lanarkshire Sinfonia for further details.

Are you an orchestral player of grade 7/8 standard? Would you like to try something new?

South Lanarkshire Sinfonia is a brand new non professional orchestra which will meet for various projects throughout the year. The Artistic Director is John Cushing, ex Principal Clarinet RSNO and Music Director of the Scottish Clarinet Choir.

Our very first play day and rehearsal is on July 11th 2026, 1pm until 4pm at East Kilbride Arts Centre. This session is free and the repertoire is Dvorak Symphony 9 "New World ".

To register your interest, please contact us at [email protected]
www.southlanarkshiresinfonia.co.uk

27/04/2026

It was wonderful to collaborate with Henri SELMER Paris Saxophones and welcome French saxophonist Valentine Michaud back to the RCS.

Valentine gave a fabulous performance of the Albright & Decruck Sonatas for Alto Saxophone & Piano with RCS Collaborative Pianist Lliam Paterson, as well as delivering an inspiring masterclass to our Saxophone students.

Thank you to Selmer for sponsoring this event and to Lucy Kew for bringing a selection of Selmer instruments and accessories for our students to try. A fantastic day for all-round.

19/04/2026

A breathtaking recital from Philippe Tondre and Christopher Baxter - Pianist set the tone for a perfect day. The RCS student ensemble—Hana Flood (flute), Leo Kerr (clarinet), Freya Liles (bassoon) and Emily Morran (horn)—then joined Philippe and Chris for a superb performance of Poulenc’s Wind Sextet, bringing the programme to a thrilling close.

Philippe also delivered an inspiring oboe masterclass, sharing both his artistry and insight with our students. His sublime playing, combined with the passion and warmth he showed in working with the young RCS musicians, made a lasting impression on us all.

A day we will remember for a very long time—an absolute privilege to work with such an inspirational musician and true gentleman. Thank you, Philippe!