Manos Achalinotopoulos: Clarinet Masterclass

Manos Achalinotopoulos is a superb, scintillating, sensational performer on clarinet. He will be remembered by many for the exciting and inspirational playing he contributed to the performances of John Psathas' Zeibekiko in the 2006 New Zealand International Arts Festival with contemporary music ensemble Stroma.

On this occasion he will demonstrate and work with clarinet students of the New Zealand School of Music, along with Debbie Rawson, NZSM Coordinator of Wind Instruments. Members of the public are welcome to observe: free admission. Come prepared for aural-excitement and inspiration!

Manos travels extensively, performing and recording with a vast array of internationally renowned singers, musicians and composers. He is widely regarded as the foremost exponent of the Greek clarino in the world. As well as his mastery of traditional/ancient music and its idioms, Manos incorporates elements from jazz, the Balkan ethnic style, and Western music traditions.

A recent collaboration with Rattle Records has produced a truly remarkable album. 'Flight of Light', due for a release just a few weeks, is an extraordinarily passionate and moving piece of work. More information is available from Rattle Records at: http://www.rattlerecords.net/

Manos was born and grew up in Athens. At the age of 9, he started learning to play the flute and clarinet. From very early on he participated in traditional music performances collaborating with many musicians specialised in this kind of musical idiom, including Tassia Verra, Chronis Aidonides, George Koros, and Aristidis Moschos.

In 1987, he was awarded the prize as best soloist at the festival of Ithaca, while in 1986 he participates with Greek group at the Pan-Mediterranean Festival of Folklore Music at Valencia in Spain and at Corsica.

In 1991, he was chosen as the best soloist in clarinet to participate at the East - West Musical Meeting and Tour with Peter Kowald, Charlie Mariano, Okay Temiz, Radi Abou Khalil, Daily Ross and others. In 1993, together with composer and lyre player Elias Papadopoulos, he creates the musical group "Ellispontos" and that way organises various activities (recordings, television and live performances) in Hellas and aboard.

Since 1994 he studied and graduates the Department of Theory of Music and Musicology at the Faculty of Philosophical School in Athens University while at the same time he occupies himself with a lot of research. At the same time he studies Byzantine music, as well a High Studies in Theory of European Music with Michalis Travlos. Manos Achalinotopoulos has traveled playing clarinet, cawal, shawm and flutes to more than 35 countries, while participating in many prestigious concerts and Festivals.

This event will be held in the Adam Concert Room in the NZSM Kelburn Campus.

Event listed by New Zealand School of Music

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