David Alexander Barnard

PIANIST • CONDUCTOR • OPERA

Tag: SouthYorkshire

  • 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.

  • 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.
  • 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!