Michael Collins makes debut CLS recording
Clarinettist and conductor Michael Collins brings together Chandos Records, with whom he records exclusively, and his orchestra the City of London Sinfonia (CLS) for a concert and recording.
Michael Collins made a big impact on the London concert scene directing from the clarinet and conducting the City of London Sinfonia in a wonderful concert including Weber’s 1st Clarinet Concerto, Barber’s Knoxville sung by Carolyn Sampson and Copland’s Appalachian Spring. The sound of cheering and whooping could clearly be heard on BBC Radio 3’s Performance on 3. This concert was followed by 2 days of recording with the City of London Sinfonia which ended in an unprecedented round of spontaneous applause from the orchestra. The CD content is works by Weber - his Horn Concertino, Concerto No 2 for Clarinet, Concertino for Clarinet and Clarinet Concerto 1. This disc will be released around Michael’s 50th birthday in early 2012.
Michael is very proud of his relationship with Chandos and appreciates that level of commitment from such a recording company in the current climate. His previous and recent 2 solo discs for Chandos, The Virtuoso Clarinet and The Lyrical Clarinet with pianists Piers Lane and Michael McHale respectively have been a tremendous success receiving many press plaudits.
The Lyrical Clarinet with Michael McHale on the Chandos label:
“It’s hard to imagine this varied programme better played than it is here by Collins and Michael McHale. They’re technically impeccable and stylistically flexible, and, aided by an unobtrusively excellent recording, they both produce some beautiful pianissimo playing”
The Times, January 2011
The Virtuoso Clarinet with Piers Lane on the Chandos label:
“A highly engaging programme from Michael Collins, whose rare combination of tonal mellifluousness and virtuoso flair brings a satisfying unity to a wide range of styles”
Classic FM Magazine, April 2011
“...Michael Collins lives up to the standards he set [in previous recordings], both in technical ease and in subtlety of phrasing...”
BBC Music Magazine, January 2011
“...A virtuoso with soul...This recital, with pianist Piers Lane, alternately delights and charms...”
Financial Times, November 2010
Michael has just returned from another 2 days in the studio recording works by deceased British composers. Look out for this new release on Chandos in a few months time. He then heads off to Jersey in his role as the Artistic Director of the Liberation Music Festival before touring Japan, Australia and New Zealand.
