Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest clarinetists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, masterclass leader and tireless musical explorer. He reveals to us that he is also a speed-lover who like driving fast cars on race tracks around Europe and riding off road motorcycles.

What are you most looking forward to in this year´s festival?
It will be my first time to the festival and I can’t wait! I am really looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and friends I have worked with over the years whilst also meeting and working with new people. I’ve got a very nice variety of music to play and everything from duo repertoire to Septet. It’s going to be fun!

What´s the best thing about playing chamber music?
What I really enjoy about playing chamber music is discovering new ways of playing the same piece of music. I like sharing ideas and seeing what comes of it.

Have you experienced any unusual things happen during a concert?
I play from an iPad these days, and whilst I was on tour with my Jazz band in the USA, someone in the front row decided to AirDrop me a photo that he had taken of us, during the performance! I was a bit surprised when the notification came up on my screen!

What makes you happy?
Good Music, Good people, Good food.

What music makes you cry?
I am completely in love with Rachmaninov. I could listen to his pieces all day, every day… The slow movement of the Cello sonata is a current favourite.

What´s your favourite place in the world?
At the moment I love Japan. Great place and fascinating culture.

Read more about Julian Bliss: https://www.fjordclassics.com/artist/julian-bliss/