British clarinettist John Slack studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with Julian Farrell and Joy Farrall, and with Israeli virtuoso Chen Halevi at the Trossingen Musikhochschule in Germany. John now divides his time between Glasgow and London and has built a portfolio career as a performer, educator and arts administrator.
As a freelance orchestral musician playing both clarinet and bass clarinet, John has worked with several of the UK’s leading orchestras including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Britten Sinfonia and Royal Scottish National Orchestra. However, John’s real love is chamber music and as a founding member of the Berkeley Ensemble has performed at festivals and music clubs throughout the UK and abroad. He is also a dedicated teacher, and has given masterclasses at schools across the UK, in Macau and Hong Kong. He has coached chamber music at the University of York and Dartington International Summer School and has worked with organisations including Southbank Sinfonia, Live Music Now and the Berkeley Ensemble to deliver imaginative and engaging education projects.
In addition to his playing and teaching work, John is currently general manager of the London-based Berkeley Ensemble and concerts and administration manager of the Hebrides Ensemble in Scotland.
Berkeley Ensemble players
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Sophie Mather -
Francesca Barritt -
Dan Shilladay -
Gemma Wareham -
Martin Ludenbach -
John Slack -
Andrew Watson -
Paul Cott