The programme for this candlelit concert - part of Old St Paul's Fringe series of concerts Hot Chocolate at 10, was ideal to show Calum Robertson’s mastery of the clarinet. He has just completed the third year of his B Mus studies at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Dance. He is beginning his solo and orchestral career with some flourish. Notwithstanding, he is also an organist. He was on home ground for he is at present the organ scholar at Old St Paul’s. Appropriately he was accompanied by John Kitchen, the organist at Old St Paul’s, who is also the University and City organist.
With John Kitchen on the piano, Calum Robertson played three pieces, by Burgmüller, Bliss and Debussy. On his own he played from James Macmillan’s Galloway Mass setting whilst John Kitchen moved to the organ for a solo by Jehan Alain.
With a very clear and informative introduction from Calum we heard the very serious work, yesterday evening, Crucifixus by Cooman before moving to a favourite - Adagio from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. And then they really enjoyed themselves to finish with music by Rossini. It was very clear from John Kitchen’s erudite remarks just what a great team these two are.
The hot chocolate, with a squirt of cream on top, on arriving, was a welcome bonus.
Show times
Hot Chocolate (but different music)19 & 20, 24-27 August, 10 pm
Tickets
£8 (£5)