Pianist Nathaniel Schmidt and clarinettist/bass clarinettist Andrew Morrow will presenting a concert of British music that fits perfectly into the mood of an early autumn afternoon.  Composers featured will be Paul Reade, Joseph Horovitz, and Ralph Vaughan Williams.  In many ways, Vaughan Williams can be seen as the father of the musical style used by Reade and Horovitz, one that integrates classical technique with popular, folk, and modern styles of music.  Reade and Horovitz are both well known as composers of music for BBC programs while Vaughan Williams was a purveyor of British folk song.  All of their music is immediately accessible and enjoyable but also has a depth and beauty that makes it powerful and lasting.

Born and raised in the Comox Valley BC, pianist Nathaniel Schmidt has called the Alberta music scene home for just over 7 years.  After completing studies at the University of Lethbridge in piano and composition, he moved to Calgary where he  is an active teacher, accompanist, performer, and composer.  Nathaniel has worked extensively with the Mountain View International festival where he has had the opportunity to work with pianists such as Anton Kuerti and Rudolph Jansen as well as performing in chamber groups with musicians from across Europe and North America.   In addition to his performance and composition duties, Nathaniel maintains a studio of 20 students and works as an educator and program creator at The National Music Center, Canada’s most extensive music museum and instrument collection.  Nathaniel is proud to Calgary his musical home and continues his studies with Charles Foreman and Kathleen van Mourik.

Clarinetist Andrew Morrow received his Bachelor of Music from the University of Lethbridge where he studied with Peggy Mezei and frequently performed with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra. In 2011 he completed his Master of Music degree in bass clarinet performance at the University of Calgary, under the direction of Stan Clime.  In southern Alberta Andrew is an in-demand freelance musician, clinician and instructor. He can be heard regularly on CJSW’s podcast “Today in Canadian History”. Recent appearances include Evan Ziporyn’s bass clarinet concerto Drill with the University of Calgary Wind Ensemble, Anna Pidgorna’s Evelyn’s Watcher at the Calgary Happening New Music Festival, and the Mountain View International Festival of Song and Chamber Music.