David Alexander Barnard

PIANIST • CONDUCTOR • OPERA

Tag: DavidBarnard

  • Fundraising / Linz

    Fundraising / Linz

    Fundraising for the charity “Rollende Engel” – a charity which provides last wishes to terminally ill people.

    Verein Rollende Engel / Website

    Linz, 18th May 2025.

    Joining with the Linzer String Quartet, I had the incredible opportunity to perform the Piano Quartet in g-minor by Mozart in the beautiful Linz Ursulinenhof Church, which is supported by the Upper Austrian State Cultural Fund. The church’s stunning architecture and serene atmosphere provided a perfect backdrop for our performance, enhancing the rich, complex music that Mozart composed. As we played together, the blend of our instruments resonated throughout the sacred space, captivating the audience and creating an unforgettable experience. The support from the Upper Austrian State Cultural Fund not only underscores the importance of cultural initiatives but also allows artists like us to share our passion for classical music in such a remarkable setting.

    The Linzer Quartet with local wind players for the Schubert Octet.

    Together with guest wind players, we raised vital funds for the charity, which provides “a last wish” to terminally ill people. This initiative not only brought together talented musicians but also created a heartwarming atmosphere where compassion and community spirit thrived. Thank you to all involved for your time and effort, which made this event a tremendous success. A special thanks to Christa & Wolfgang Gierlinger, whose unwavering commitment and organisational skills were instrumental in bringing the whole event together, ensuring an experience that was both memorable and impactful for everyone who participated.

    The programme also included a world premiere, written specifically for the Lintzer String Quartet, titled “Elegy” by the talented Upper Austrian composer, Günther Firlinger. This piece, which captivates the audience with its intricate melodies and emotional depth, draws on a range of influences, marrying traditional string writing with contemporary nuances. The stunning lyricism embedded within the score showcased the Linzer Quartet wonderfully, allowing each member to shine through their expressive playing, while the harmonies created an atmosphere that resonated deeply within the hearts of those in attendance. With delicate phrasing and a powerful dynamic range, the performance of “Elegy” left a lasting impression, highlighting not only the skill of the musicians but also the profound connection that music can forge between the performers and the audience.

  • Austria!

    Austria!

    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/david-takes-centre-stage-with-new-austrian-theatre-post-4217337

    By John Highfield PR

    Acclaimed Sheffield-based musician David Barnard is taking centre stage with a new post at one of Europe’s most celebrated theatres.

    David has been appointed assistant Chorus Director at the Landestheater in the Austrian city of Linz.

    The Landestheater – or State Theatre – is the largest theatre in Upper Austria, is made up of three major venues and is owned by the State of Upper Austria.

    David has been appointed assistant Chorus Director at the Landestheater in the Austrian city of Linz.

    “When I returned to Sheffield after a full decade of international work, I had no idea that I would so quickly be taking on such a great new role as the one that has been offered by the Landestheater,” said David.

    “Sheffield will continue to be my home base, particularly because it remains an interesting city to live in but much more of my time will be spent in the beautiful Austrian city of Linz.

    ​“Perhaps the Peak District will be temporarily swapped for the Alps, but I bet they don’t do a good pub Sunday roast!

    ​“The role is one I am highly experienced in, with previous chorus master contracts over the years around the world, but this particular appointment places me even more firmly at the heart of Europe’s classical music industry.”

  • Sheffield Is The Business

    Sheffield Is The Business

    Printed article in The Star, Sheffield, Wednesday 21st June 2023.

  • Piper David Joins Musical Icon

    Piper David Joins Musical Icon

    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/piper-david-joins-musical-icon-andre-rieu-for-sell-out-maastricht-concerts-4187627

    The Sheffield Star, 19th June 2023

    Piper David joins musical icon André Rieu for sell-out Maastricht concerts 

    Acclaimed Sheffield-based musician David Barnard is normally best known for his skills at the piano and as a classical vocal coach. 

    But it is his lifelong passion for the bagpipes that is introducing him to a whole new international audience as he joins global music icon André Rieu’s acclaimed Johann Strauss Orchestra to lead a massed band of up to 160 pipes and drums for 12 sell-out open air performances in André’s home town of Maastricht in the Netherlands this July. 

    David started playing the bagpipes at the age of eight when he was growing up in Australia. 

    “Some of my earliest musical memories are as a bagpiper in Scottish pipe bands alongside my dad playing the tenor drum, but the piano took over at 18 when I was singled out as someone who could potentially form a career from classical music and the piano,” David said. 

    “The piping sadly took a backseat despite a solid pedigree in the instrument, but it has now come back to the fore and it is remarkable that in my early 40s it has returned to my life in such a significant and poignant way.” 

    Davi’d contract with André Rieu Productions will see him lead a massed-band of up to 160 pipes and drums, with players from the Netherlands, Scotland, Germany and England engaged as part of his core team as they play and march to the stage through Maastricht’s famous Vrijhof square. 

    “I worked with Mr Rieu in February and March this year in Romania and as pipe major had the joy of leading a pipe band made up of players from Germany, Hungary, Scotland and England, including five players from the City of Sheffield Pipe Band who represented our city so well – I was very proud of them! 

    “Being a pipe major with my strong classical music background, means I can facilitate the needs of Mr Rieu and the needs of the pipe band, rehearse them and then get them working as one in performance. 

    “It really is surreal to be on stage with such an iconic orchestra and a diverse group of musicians but I will have a super team around me to help get everyone tuned, on stage and on time each evening. 

    “At this stage I am focussed on the logistical process of 160 players each evening, from eating, getting dressed, tuned, warmed-up and out into the square – and on cue. 

    “I’m sure once the first night is over, I will relax and savour the experience to the maximum.” 

    David can more usually be found working with some of the leading opera singers of the UK and Europe. 

    His recent engagements include work with the Teatro Maggio Musicale in Florence and as regular visiting vocal coach on the post-graduate programme of the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, coaching some of the Uk’s  leading up and coming classical vocal talent. 

    More information on David can be found at www.barnardpiano.com and information on the Maastricht performances can be found at https://www.andrerieu.com/en/maastricht-concerts-2023 

    Ends 

    Released on behalf of DAB ||: Music by John Highfield PR. For further information call 07776 180911or email: info@johnhighfieldpr.co.uk 

  • Making Your Voice Heard

    Making Your Voice Heard

    This article was written by John Highfield PR

    ACCLAIMED international pianist, coach and arts administrator David Barnard is bringing a new voice to the region’s business community.

    David has worked in Australia, New Zealand and around the globe as a performer, vocal coach, chorus master and artistic administrator. 

    Now, after almost a decade away, he has returned to South Yorkshire and launched DAB ||: Music, providing studio teaching and music services alongside performance coaching, training and development opportunities.

    And from his base at the Victoria Hall in Sheffield city centre, he is offering a new training service aimed specifically at helping business leaders to develop their public speaking skills.

    “One of the key services we are providing at DAB ||: Music is, of course vocal training, based on my many years working with some of the world’s leading concert and opera performers and delivering university courses in peak-performance,” David explained. 

    close up of human hand
    Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

    “But sitting alongside came the realisation that there was room for a crossover and that what works for musicians can also work in other spheres.

    “As a result, we are now able to offer a full range of vocal and performance coaching sessions, tailored specifically to corporate clients, which come from an informed place.

    “In a world where making the correct impression really does make a massive difference, acquiring the basic skills of public speaking through vocal coaching has to be a worthwhile investment for yourself or your team, particularly when pitching for sales, or delivering a crucial presentation.”

    “We offer sessions that are relaxed, fun and informative and will prepare even the most nervous speaker for the public platform, either at the DAB ||: Music studio or at your business.

    “Whatever the size of the audience, public speaking can seem incredibly challenging but we can take away the mystique and provide you with the tools that will help your voice be heard more clearly.”

  • Have Piano, Will Travel.

    Have Piano, Will Travel.

    Programme: Autumn Piano Recital – DAB ||: Music (dabmusic.online)

    This article was originally written by John Highfield PR and has been picked up by several local sources, including, Prolific North.

    Australian-born David Barnard was based in Sheffield when he inherited the Bechstein piano from a friend.

    But because he had nowhere to keep it, and was also intending to return to Australia to further his musical career, he decided it should be put to good use in a new home.

    At the time he was musical director of Swinton-based Bel Canto choir and performing regularly with them at St Margaret’s Church in Swinton, which is where it was agreed the piano should stay.

    That is where the piano has been ever since, playing an important role in services and concerts for the community.

    To mark its arrival in 2012, David performed a thanksgiving recital, after which he relocated to Australia and more recently to New Zealand, working there and around the globe as a performer, vocal coach, chorus master and artistic administrator.

    Now, after almost a decade away, he has returned to South Yorkshire and launched DAB ||: Music, providing music services and studio space to the Sheffield creative sector alongside performance coaching, training and development opportunities.

    He was finally reunited with his faithful piano when he played again at St Margaret’s, with a programme including pieces by Philip Glass, Poulenc, Mozart and Albeniz.

    Barnard said: “The piano represents a gift of friendship and music that now forms the basis of the active community in and around St Margaret’s Church. After so many years apart, it felt very good to be playing it again and I look forward to many more events at St Margaret’s in the future.”

    Father Chris Barley & David Barnard (Photo Craig Marston)

  • Save the dates!

    Save the dates!

    If you’re starting to think about musical events in the Autumn, then please save these dates to your diary. For ticket links and times please see the EVENTS page or connect with DAB Music on Social Media.

    SEPTEMBER

    16th September – David Barnard will join with flautist, Clare Langan and folk singer, Sally Glennon, to raise money for the invaluable work of Lost Chord UK – a charity which takes music into nursing homes and day-care centres. This concert will raise vital funds for interactive music sessions in the Rotherham area.

    24th September – David Barnard accompanies legendary Gilbert & Sullivan artist, Richard Suart, alongside mezzo, Louise Crane, soprano, Yvonne Patrick and tenor, Tristan Stocks in a fun and touching programme of Gilbert & Sullivan in the gorgeous surrounds of the The Flavel, in Dartmouth, UK.

    OCTOBER

    8th – 9th October – Fancy a trip to The Netherlands? Quentin Clare conducts a enthralling concert of Wagner and Tchaikovsky in with The New Mannheim Orchestra in Leiden & Amsterdam.

    14th October – If you are into your bagpiping or just love Scottish Pipe Band Music, then look now further as Neil Clark, a renowned teacher and piper comes to Sheffield to give a public masterclass. He will work with 5 chosen pipers and workshop them live. You will hear some beautiful playing, if nothing else, in the glorious surrounds of Victoria Hall, Sheffield.

    NOVEMBER

    27th November – World-renowned soprano, Janis Kelly, comes to Sheffield to deliver a programme of Mozart, Schumann & Burns. Entitled, A Woman’s Face the recital, with David Barnard, will feature the wonderful song-cycle, “Woman’s love and life” as well as songs by poet, Robert Burns written about women. Not to be missed!