LESLIE CRAVEN clarinet

Leslie Craven is currently Principal Clarinettist in the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, appointed by former Musical Director Carlo Rizzi. He studied Italian opera repertoire with Maestro Franco Ferrarris and took part in several masterclasses with the great pedagogue Nadia Boulanger.

Before joining WNO he played freelance principal clarinet with most of London's major orchestras (including the LPO for a unique debut aged eleven reported by the London Evening Standard newspaper) and more recently in concerts and recordings with the RPO, LSO, PHILHARMONIA and the LONDON MUSICI with such artists as Rostropovitch, Gidon Kremer, Ashkenazy and numerous others. He is in demand as a recording artist, teacher, examiner and clinician, giving master classes throughout Britain and overseas.He has played on many television networks as both soloist and as a principal clarinettist.

T.V. performances include Fantasia: La Traviata (Verdi arranged Lovreglio / Giampieri) the Mozart concerto (conducted by Rinaldo Allessandrini) with the orchestra of Welsh National Opera and the obligato to Parto Parto from Clemenza da Tito. ( mezzo soprano Katerina Karneus, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras).These performance were highly praised by the press.Leslie has broadcast most of the major recital repertoire and was nominated for a broadcasting award (South African Broadcasting Corporation) for his world premier recording of Priaulx Rainier's Suite for clarinet and piano.

Whilst a freelance principal clarinetist in London he was highly sought after in studios,playing on soundtracks for films and for TV series and commercials.

Films he played for include Howards End, Mickey Blue eyes, The Pope Must Die,The Wicker man,The Pirate Prince and many more. T.V. series include amongst others; House of Eliott, Soldier, Soldier, Anna Lee, The Michael Aspel show and Wogan.

He also played for West End Shows such as Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love and featured on the cast Albums and compilation discs of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical hits. Commercials include Levi jeans, Renault, McDonalds, Lindt chocolates, Arial soap powder and many other household brands.

As well as numerous classical and operatic orchestral discs he also recorded backing tracks for Charlotte Church, Cilla Black,Michael Ball,Michael Crawford, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart,The Pet Shop Boys and many others.
Leslie Craven is also featured on chamber music recordings;
Andre Jolivet Sonatine (Asv CD DCA 948) and Villa Lobos Choros No.2 (Kingdom CD no. KCLCD) with Anna Noakes- flute. Scenes from a comedy for wind quintet by Christopher Ball with the Adderbury ensemble
Pavane AD W7404. Leslie has his own website, www.lesliecraven.co.uk