Iconic flutist Ian Clarke to visit for mini residency

A master class followed by a recital by internationally recognized British flutist/composer Ian Clarke are slated for Thursday, April 19 at the  Fredonia School of Music.

At 3 p.m. in Mason Hall Room 1080, Mr. Clarke will conduct a master class featuring Fredonia flutists. The free event is open to the public and is a MUS 120-qualifying event.

At 6 p.m., also in Room 1080, Clarke will appear in a recital with School of Music staff accompanist I-Fei Chen. Clarke will perform his truly beautiful, even otherworldly compositions, replete with what are called, “evocative, lyrical and breathtaking modern techniques.” It is another MUS 120-qualifying event, and is free and open to the public.

A question and answer session will be held with Clarke on April 20, with admittance limited to School of Music students.

Clarke is acknowledged as one of the leading players/composers in the flute world. It is reported that his wide-ranging published works are establishing themselves as some of the most exciting flute repertoire of the modern day and are being embraced by internationally acclaimed performers, syllabuses, teachers, colleges and students. He has performed as a featured guest at many major conventions and events across the world including Europe and the U.S. His acclaimed CD “Within” is one of the flute world’s best sellers and his latest CD, “Deep Blue,” reached the top 10 in the UK Classical Artist Chart.

Clarke has given master-classes internationally including at many of London and New York City's leading music institutions. In his career he has performed in genres ranging from classical opera to a guest appearance with the rock group Jethro Tull/Ian Anderson. Mr. Clarke studied part-time with Simon Hunt, Averil Williams and Kate Lukas of the Guildhall School of Music, London. He concurrently studied Mathematics at Imperial College, London. He is currently a professor of flute at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has composed extensively with Simon Painter for film and television as Diva Music.

Clarke is also an International Miyazawa Flute artist. For further information, see online.

The Fredonia residency, arranged by Dr. Susan Royal, as one of the culminating events of her tenure as Flute professor at Fredonia. She noted, “Ian Clarke is an iconic, amazing artist and composer whose performances are both ethereal, magical and mesmerizing, and riveting and powerful. He is also a generous, compassionate and brilliant man. We are so lucky to have him at Fredonia for a second time!”

Funding for this residency is made possible by the Fredonia School of Music.