A Major Evening

Meet the Soloist

We meet the soloist performing in Firebird’s A Major Evening on 26 September – he is a clarinettist who is currently principal with the New European Ensemble in The Hague…

Fast establishing himself as an exciting and versatile clarinettist in the UK and Europe, James Meldrum has developed a busy career as an orchestral and chamber musician as well as a recital and concerto soloist. 

James achieved a Distinction in his Advanced Postgraduate Diploma from the Royal College of Music, and whilst studying held the MBF Music Education Award, MBF Ian Flemming Award, Countess of Munster Musical Trust Award, and the Wilkins-Mackerras Scholarship.

After winning his first orchestral trial at the age of 20, James has played with the Philharmonia Orchestra, the English Chamber Orchestra and the London Chamber Orchestra as well as being guest principal clarinet with international orchestras including Iceland Symphony Orchestra, de Filharmonie Antwerpen, the Young Janacek Philharmonic and the Kazakhstan Philhamonic Orchestras.


“… James Meldrum is one of the most talented and musical clarinettists of his generation. He has performance flair and a natural communication with audiences, both as a soloist and chamber musician.” 

Janet Hilton, International award-winning recording artist and soloist

A Major Evening

Thursday 26 September 2019
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm   

Beethoven Coriolan Overture, Op. 72
Mozart Clarinet Concerto in A, K. 622
Mozart Tamino’s Aria: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön (from The Magic Flute)
Beethoven Symphony no. 7 in A, Op. 92

Conductor George Jackson
Clarinet James Meldrum
Tenor Ben Thapa