clarinet

Julian Bliss

Julian Bliss is one of the world’s finest clarinettists, excelling as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, jazz artist, masterclass leader and tireless musical explorer. He has inspired a generation of young players as creator of his Conn-Selmer range of affordable clarinets, and introduced a substantial new audience to his instrument.

Julian started playing the clarinet aged 4, going on to study at the University of Indiana and in Germany under Sabine Meyer.

In recital and chamber music he has played at most of the world’s leading festivals and venues including Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center. He has appeared as soloist with a range of international orchestras including São Paolo Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of Paris, Auckland Philharmonia, BBC Philharmonic, London Philharmonic and Royal Philharmonic orchestras.

In 2012 he established the Julian Bliss Septet, inspired by Benny Goodman, and released the first Septet album in 2012. They have performed to packed houses at Ronnie Scott’s (London), the Concertgebouw (Amsterdam) and across the USA, including Jazz at Lincoln Center, and have gone on to explore the music of Gershwin and his Tin Pan Alley contemporaries.

Album releases include his recording of Mozart and Nielsen’s concertos with the Royal Northern Sinfonia. His latest chamber discs include David Bruce’s Gumboots for clarinet and string quartet, plus the Mozart and Weber quintets, with the Carducci Quartet.

Recent highlights include concerto performances with the Northern Chamber Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, an extensive US tour with his septet, and concerts with the Carducci Quartet.