07/25/13

The Ionian Clarinet Choir was formed in November 1970, in Whetstone (within the London Borough of Barnet) by its first Musical Director, Roy Upton-Holder.  Since 1971 the Choir has given over 100 concerts both locally (usually in aid of charities) and in central London venues, including the Covent Garden Centre, St. Giles in the Fields, St Martin-in-the-Fields and the Barbican Centre.

The Choir's repertoire ranges from JS Bach to Scott Joplin and extends to over 290 pieces, including many works by contemporary composers.  The Choir has had works commissioned by Carey Blyton (to celebrate the Silver Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II), Graham Lyons, Keith Amos and Paul Harvey.

The Choir's first LP Clarinets in Concert, released in 1974, was the first European recording by a Clarinet Choir.  Subsequent recordings have included a second disc, Showpieces for Clarinet Choir released in 1976, and two cassettes, Clarinet Cocktail and Blue Twilight made in 1981 and 1983 respectively.

The Choir celebrated its 100th Concert at Manor Drive Methodist Church, Whetstone in March 2002.  Recent concerts have included a Charity Concert on behalf of the Potters Bar & District 21st World Scout Jamboree Fundraising Team in February 2007 and a concert at the Purcell School in Radlett.

Since 1992 until February 2007, the Ionian Clarinet Choir performed under the direction of Musical Director Roger Greenwood, a clarinettist from North London and a member of the choir since 1974.  He was succeeded by Lionel Elton who kept the choir going until December 2007.  We now have 'job share' conductors, Roger (once again) and Chris Hooker (an ex-Choir member) and now meet for rehearsals twice monthly on the second and fourth Fridays of each month at Christchurch in Whetstone.

One Concert - Three Conductors

On the 20th November, the Ionian Clarinet Choir, based in Barnet, north London and one of the oldest clarinet choirs in the UK, celebrated its 40^th Anniversary in style, with a concert line-up of three conductors! Along with the Choir’s resident job-share conductors, Roger Greenwood and Chris Hooker, there was a welcome return of the Choir’s illustrious founder, Roy Upton-Holder, who sped through his arrangement of ‘Russian Dance’ as the final encore.

Other highlights were Mozart’s ‘Menuetto & Rondo (Serenade K361), which had been the opening number in the Choir’s first concert in February 1972, and  a dazzling solo rendition of ‘Pepperino’ by Lionel Ferer, who gained his professional experience playing in West End shows.

We welcomed back a number of ex-players including Nicole Rincon who left us 20 years ago but who has re-joined us!! Any others erstwhile players who wish to resume contact with the Choir are welcome to do so through this website.

Favourite Links	News: After two years with job-share conductors Chris Hooker and Roger Greenwood, the Choir now meets for rehearsals twice monthly with Roger as sole conductor.  Our rehearsal base is Christ Church Hall, Oakley Park North, London N20 9AR Rehearsal dates for Autumn added into the Diary New Photos of our last concert held on 24th November 2012 added List of Concerts held since our 100th added here
We will eventually provide links to other websites. HIARCS Chess Software Serenata Clarinet Quartet	Recruitment!  We are always willing to welcome new players. If you are interested in joining the choir please contact Craig Maxwell. craig.maxwell3 at virginmedia.com   (substituting at for @)
Photo Album Updated 29th December 2012	Communities & Forums
Look at photos of the ICC members in action!