David Alexander Barnard

PIANIST • CONDUCTOR • OPERA

Tag: Sheffield

  • Leaving Linz

    Leaving Linz

    As my time in Linz draws to a close, I am proud to reflect on the impressive range of repertoire and substantial body of work I have achieved during my stay in Upper Austria, whilst at the Landestheater Linz Musiktheater and of course to celebrate some of the memorable highlights of this incredible journey.

    I came to Austria determined to fully immerse myself in a new culture and language, eager to gain valuable experiences that would enhance both my personal and professional life – and I achieved that in every possible way! Initially, I arrived as the assistant to the choir director for a year, but the theatre extended my stay to an enriching three years, during which I worked in the role of deputy choir director and solokorrepetitor. These three seasons allowed me to dive deep into some of the complexities of the German language and the vibrant Austrian classical music scene, all while forging strong bonds with colleagues and locals. As I prepare to leave at the end of this current season in July, I take away not just incredible memories, but also a wealth of unforgettable performances, the warmth of the Austrian people, and invaluable skills that will undoubtedly propel my future endeavours in the arts.

    In Summary:

    21 Operas
    6 Operettas
    4 Musicals
    1 Ballet
    4 Chamber Works
    5 World Premieres
    9 Concerts

    For me, the main-stage highlights include: New productions of Sweeney Todd, Der fliegender Holländer, La Juive, Die Fledermaus, Paganini and William Tell.

    Organ duties for La Juive
    End scene of La Juive
    Die Fledermaus
    View from the follow-spots
    Barber of Seville “ballet warm-up”
    Barber of Seville
    Susy and Flo – Stage Managers

    Other concert and chamber opera production highlights include: ‘Vanishings’ (co-production with Opera Massy), Der Findling (as part of the Bruckner 200th year celebrations) and Adam und Eva which premiered in the Schwetzinger Festspiele in Germany. However, one special mention goes to the cast of Arizona Lady – what fun that was!

    Paris “Vanishings”
    Vanishings – Paris
    Adam und Eva – Germany
    Extra Choir -Germany
    Arizona Lady
    Arizona Lady
    Brittney-Spears always featured!
    Old Cathedral – Der Findling
    Extra-Choir – Der Findling

    Playing for the Ballet (Tanz Linz) production of Amor & Psyche was really special indeed! In this production, I played a cello and piano duo work called Lieux retrouvés by Thomas Adès and also a special arrangement of Après un rêve by Fauré for cello, piano and orchestra. Every performance really was magical.

    Concert highlights have included fundraising events for local societies and charities, often supported with colleagues from the Extra-Choir of the Landestheater. However, one such benefit concert was with the Linzer String Quartet and was truly memorable experience. I’d also like to mention a special ‘duet’ recital with my super colleague, Tom Bitterlich (Music Director of the Musical dept at the Musiktheater).

    My official farewell concert at the Musiktheater was jointly shared with Angela Simkin: „Mythos und Melancholie“ – and was supported by the ‘Friends of the Musiktheater’. I’m really looking forward to further recitals with Angela in the near future!

    But my final concert in Austria to cap off this colourful three-year period, was at the birth house of Joseph and Michael Haydn, in Rohrau, NÖ.

    Mozart – with the Linzer Quartet
    Duets with Tom

    I am looking forward to my return to the UK as my primary base in September 2026, with a range of exciting contracts and events already shaping up for the 2026-2028 seasons. The past three years in Austria have been invaluable, providing me with profound insights into music, Austria, and the dynamics of a high-pressure, fixed-position environment, along with the inevitable positive and negative impacts on individuals. I wish all my colleagues tremendous success in their future endeavours, no matter where their musical journeys lead them. I wish the Hauschor of the Musiktheater all the best of luck in their new chapter with Herr Obermair.

    An die Menschen in Linz – die Linzer: Vielen Dank, dass ihr mich in eure Stadt eingeladen habt und mich so herzlich aufgenommen habt. Ich freue mich darauf, euch in nicht allzu ferner Zukunft wiederzusehen. Prost!

    D.A.Barnard July 2026.

  • The Royal Society of Musicians.

    The Royal Society of Musicians.

    On Tuesday 14th March, I had the incredible opportunity to attend my first meeting of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain, a moment I had eagerly anticipated. During this inspiring gathering, I not only received my membership certificate, marking my official investiture into the society, but I was also introduced to fellow musicians and passionate advocates for the arts. It is a huge honour to be part of such a prestigious organisation that has been dedicated to supporting musicians in need since 1738.

    I am truly excited about the connections that lie ahead, as I look forward to working alongside the society’s members to increase awareness and raise vital funds that will help provide assistance and opportunities for musicians facing financial hardships or challenges in their careers. Together, we can make a significant impact in the lives of those who contribute so much to our cultural landscape.

    The Royal Society of Musicians, the UK’s oldest music charity, is dedicated to offering crucial financial aid, advice, and guidance to music professionals unable to work due to accident, illness, stress, or anxiety. Founded in 1738 and run by musicians for musicians, we fully understand the unique struggles faced by music professionals and provide support, regardless of your role in the music industry.

    https://www.rsmgb.org/

    Amongst vocal and opera colleagues who have also recently joined the society are: Susan Bullock CBE, Richard Wiegold and Ralph Allwood MBE.

    As part of the evening, we heard from PhD candidate, Kate Wilkins who gave a fascinating talk on the history of women-only societies and the evolution and difficulties that they faced to sustain membership. There was significant delving into the archives of the RSM which was intriguing to listen to. I look forward to reading her final (and incredibly important!) paper very much.

    An in-depth historical account about the RSM can be read here: https://www.rsmgb.org/history

    Thanks to the faces old and new that I connected with on this very special evening.

  • 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 

  • Top Vocals

    Top Vocals

    Professor Janis Kelly FRCM, DRSAMD, will be coming to Sheffield in November to deliver a two-hour masterclass and a recital, as part of a three-day residency in the Steel City.

    On the 25th November at 7pm, Janis will workshop the five participants, including some of the best current singers from the Royal Northern College of Music, in a two-hour marathon on performance and vocal presence.

    On Sunday 27th November at 3pm, Janis will deliver a recital of Mozart, Schumann, Ravel and Burns, called ‘A Woman’s Face’ – the latter referring to the composition that Janis will perform, composed for her by Rufus Wainwright. It will be a Sheffield-first to hear this particular piece sung.

    Information on the masterclass can be found here, including venue and travel information. There are already five participants booked for the class, including the Australian Baritone, Adam Jon, who will be in the UK and Italy on an audition tour.

    Information and tickets for the Sunday recital can be found on Eventbrite – although, cash and card are always accepted on the door.

  • A Triumph!

    A Triumph!

    Conductor, Quentin Clare presented an epic programme of MacMillian, Finzi and Vaughan Williams in Sheffield’s Cathedral, on Saturday the 15th October, called ‘Remembrance’.

    Quentin, Artistic Director of The Brigantes Orchestra – Sheffield’s professional orchestra, programmed three major works, which included world-renowned British Clarinettist, Emma Johnson and much-loved British soprano, Laurie Ashworth. The concert was an absolute triumph and has certainly set the standard to new heights, in the Sheffield region, for quality and intelligence of programming. Quentin and his orchestra are also reaching a new audience and demographic through this dynamic presence in Sheffield and it won’t be long before people are travelling into the Steel City for their musical fix.

    Caroline McGuigan (nee Crawshaw) & Laurie Ashworth

    You can read the full programme booklet here.

  • 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)

  • The Pipers’ Night

    The Pipers’ Night

    On Friday 14th October, 2022, a wonderful and unique event occurred. Neil Clark of Falkirk Piping came to Sheffield and delivered a two-hour masterclass on piping and performance of the Great Highland Bagpipe, at Sheffield’s beautiful Victoria Hall.

    Neil Clark and Claire Lynch (City of Sheffield Pipe Band)

    Neil’s teaching came from an informed place, through his vast knowledge of the music, the instrument and plenty of self-analysis of his own playing and teaching over the years. It was delightful to hear Neil talk about foundation of technique as he worked through each of the pipers’ pieces.

    Neil talked about the integrity of rhythm in the music (the structure) and touched on expression in a pipe-band setting, versus solo playing. It was wonderful to see him work at a distance with the pipers and 1-2-1 at the table on the practice chanters.

    Martyn & Jim Oakes, Neil Clark, Stewart Gardiner, Claire Lynch, Terry Walters.

    We were joined by another special guest, Stewart Gardiner (drummer) who was in Sheffield to work with the City of Sheffield Pipe Band for their Autumn Workshop.

    Neil & Stewart will certainly be back and we look forward to welcoming them to Sheffield when they do.

    A huge thank you to Craig Marston for the photography and Charlotte, Dylan and Mark for their FOH warmth and being part of the DAB ||: Music team.

    Neil & Terry
    Neil & Terry
    Neil & Jim.
    Terry Walters.
    Jim Oakes.
    Neil & Terry.
    Terry
    Claire Lynch.
    Neil & Jim.
    Neil & Jim.
    Neil & Jim.
    Claire Lynch.
  • Nature’s Fire

    Nature’s Fire

    Renowned teacher and highland bagpiper, Neil Clark of Falkirk Piping, comes to Sheffield to deliver a Masterclass, Band Workshop and private lessons, during the month of October.

    DAB ||: Music is delighted to be able to host Neil for the Masterclass and we look forward to welcoming people to the wonderful surrounds of Victoria Hall, Sheffield.

    Detailed event information, including; parking, location, public transport can be found here.

    Gie me ae spark o’ Nature’s fire, that’s a’ the learning I desire.

    – Robert Burns
    Sheffield Telegraph, Thursday 6th October 2022.
  • Music for Memory.

    Music for Memory.

    Between eight and twelve years old, my mother asked me to attend day-care centres with her during the school holidays, and play for the members of the community present. I remember learning music from the 1920’s & 1930’s plus hymns, old ballads and folk music. A real eclectic mix. My first piano teacher ran a dance band, and so I had been taught to improvise and read chords from the very start.

    At 21, I was invited to participate in the Yehudi Menuhin Live Music Now UK programme, which saw me performing to people with dementia, Alzheimer’s, special-needs schools, prisons and youth homes. This work took me all over the UK and I still value these experiences as some of the most formative of my professional career, pianistically and as a performer.

    I eventually also connected with Lost Chord UK, a charity devoted to music for dementia and Alzheimer’s. I have lost count of how many concerts in nursing homes I have done now – probably into the 100’s and therefore many 100’s of hours listening to people from all walks of life and backgrounds. You absolutely come to appreciate the direct impact of music on people and how we have a great responsibility to step aside and remain a conduit for music. We have to remove ego and ourselves and find ways of story-telling, and expressing the message of the music first and foremost.

    I’ve seen residents in nursing homes speak for the first time in many months, sometimes years, and for the brief moment their brain accesses old memories and they recall a past event, occasion or the words of a song, the impact on their sons or daughters, staff and careers alike, is something equally moving to witness. In many cases they can’t remember their name or if they’ve had breakfast or not.

    In 2022, I reconnected with Lost Chord and on Friday 16th September, I had the honour of performing for them in a local fundraiser and a total of £2018.79 was raised towards interactive music sessions in the Rotherham area.

    In 2014, the Alzheimer’s Society published a major report into the future of dementia up to 2040. It was estimated that there would be 850,000 people living with dementia in 2015. There are now 900,000 and it is expected to reach 1.6million by 2040 in the UK alone.

    This sharp rise is due to accelerated population ageing.

    https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/policy-and-influencing/dementia-scale-impact-numbers

    The report was updated in 2019 and you can read it below. It’s a sobering read.

    Lost Chord
    Alzheimer’s Society
    Sheffield Star, Friday September 30th 2022
    Rotherham Advertiser, Thursday 6th October 2022.
    My first tour after many years, with Rachel Abbot, in Worksop. (From a Facebook post).
    In Darnell, Sheffield with Suzi Saperia. Discovering stories of the local area from residents who haven’t spoken for a few months.