Janet Hilton’s recitals with pianist Sarah Beth Briggs have been critically acclaimed. Her wide-ranging repertoire encompasses much loved favourites, including works by Brahms, Weber, Poulenc, Debussy and Schumann and lesser played masterpieces ranging from Burgmuller to Bernstein. In addition, Janet’s phenomenal technique and sensuous tone have inspired numerous living composers to write music for her.
Sarah is a virtuoso solo performer and a sensitive interpreter of chamber music. Duo recitals always feature some solo piano items to add variety and balance to the programme.
In addition to their very popular duo recitals, Janet and Sarah form part of two exceptional trios. In Clarion3 they are joined by internationally renowned bassoonist, Laurence Perkins, offering delightful repertoire for this striking and unusual combination of instruments whilst the more orthodox but splendidly balanced Anton Stadler Trio, sees Janet and Sarah combining their talents with Robin Ireland (ex violist of the world renowned Lindsay Quartet, and one of the UK’s most sought after chamber musicians).
Sample programmes:
Programme A:
- Weber Seven Variations on a theme from Silvana, op 33
- Bartok Suite op14
- Brahms Sonata no. 1 in F minor, op 120
- Interval
- Martinu Sonatina
- Brahms Intermezzos and Rhapsody, op 119
- Debussy Premiere Rhapsodie
Programme B:
- Lutoslawski Dance Preludes
- Debussy Two Preludes from Book 1
- Weber Grand Duo Concertante, op 48
- Interval
- Schumann Fantasy Pieces, op 73
- Chopin Ballade no 3 in A flat major, op 47
- Joseph Horowitz Sonatine (1981)
About Janet:
Janet is recognised as one of the leading clarinettists in the UK. She has performed with many of Britain’s finest orchestras, and has also become renowned for her superb chamber music interpretations with such well known ensembles as the Lindsay, Endellion and Chillingirian String Quartets. Her many overseas engagements have included concerts in Holland, Canada and the USA, (where she has regularly worked with the Michigan based chamber group, Fontana) a recital tour of the major European Opera houses with Margaret Price, concerts in Italy (at the Incontri in Tierra di Siena festival and with the Alessandro Scarlatti Orchestra in Naples) and work for the Gstaad Festival in Switzerland. In Britain, she has appeared at many festivals, including Aldeburgh, Bath, Cheltenham, City of London, Edinburgh, Harrogate, and the BBC Proms.
Her extensive list of recordings for the Chandos label includes the chamber music of Brahms and Weber, trios by Mozart, Bruch and Schumann, and Concertos by Weber, Stanford, Nielsen and Copland. She has recorded Malcolm Arnold’s first Clarinet Concerto for EMI, and the Mozart Clarinet Quintet for ASV. Her most recent recording of solo clarinet music on the Clarinet Classics label was released in 2016. Five years previously, she released four concertos written for her by Alun Hoddinott, John McCabe, Edward Harper and Dame Elizabeth Maconchy on the same label.
Alongside her solo career, Janet has been Principal Clarinet of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Welsh National Opera and Kent Opera Orchestras and the Manchester Camerata. She is a Professor of Clarinet at the Royal College of Music, where she was Head of Woodwind from 1998-2010. She also gives regular high profile international masterclasses.