Victoria Soames Samek
Victoria Soames Samek is one of the most exciting and versatile clarinettists playing in the UK today. Born of Czech and Hungarian parents, she performs internationally as a soloist, in duo recitals and in numerous chamber ensembles; notably ReedPlay who will be performing at The Purcell Room in February 2010, The Classics Labels in Concert who recently gave their debut concert at The Wigmore Hall) and FourSight, currently enjoying an Ensemble in Residence position at The Newham Academy in association with Newham.www.victoriasoamessamek.com
With her great enthusiasm for the clarinet, in 1992 she launched the celebrated CD label Clarinet Classics, which has quickly established itself as a unique showcase for the clarinet in all its richness and diversity.
In addition to her playing commitments Victoria is professor of clarinet at Trinity College of Music The Guildhall School of Music & Drama Juniors, Goldsmiths Collegeandthe Newham Academy of Music as part of the FourSight residency. Most recently she has been appointed professor of clarinet and saxophone at The Royal Military School of Music.
Victoria Soames Samek is an official endorsee for Selmer (Paris) clarinets and Rico Reeds.
- Victoria Soames Samek has recently been appointed as clarinet and saxophone professor at The Royal Military School, an appointment she will start in January 2010.
http://www.army.mod.uk/music/
- Victoria with her colleagues from ReedPlay – Jeffery Wilson and Tim Watts will be giving a concert at the Purcell Room on February 8th which includes several premieres and indeed includes just about every clarinet and saxophone. For more information please visit www.reedplay.co.uk
- Together with several new recording for Clarinet Classics, Victoria’s own releases will include a disc devoted to the composer and clarinet player and teacher and author of several books and many publications - Paul Harris. This will also be a very exciting disc as Clarinet Classics moves into the 21 century as this CD will also include photographs, live interviews and supporting information. She will be joined by her new duo partner, the pianist Michael Bell. www.clarinetclassics.com
- At the other end of the spectrum ReedPlay will be releasing a CD devoted to Handel Trio Sonatas in a new arrangement By the pianist in ReedPlay Tim Watts for soprano saxophone, bass clarinet and piano. I’m in no doubt if Handel had had bass clarinets and saxophones in his day, he would not have written for strings! www.saxophoneclassics.com
- New years resolutions – to get my MP3 player working which currently still sits in its box since July and to get my many digital photographs printed! I will also start studying for my Bat Mitzvah as part of my Jewish commitment, so my journeys to Kneller Hall will be devoted to Hebrew learning. If you pass a red Toyota Yaris with a woman muttering behind the wheel, please don’t take it personally.
