Scholfield-Clarke Duo - Arran - Spring 2026 Tour
Arran High School - Theatre, Isle of Arran, KA27 8NG
Thursday 9th April 2026
Join the Scholfield-Clarke Duo for a concert exploring the dual nature of the classical saxophone. This program of two distinct halves opens with the refined elegance of the masters—moving from the contrapuntal clarity of J.S. Bach to the lush, impressionistic soundscapes of Ravel and Debussy. Following the interval, the atmosphere shifts as the classical form meets influence of jazz, tango, and ragtime through the works of Schulhoff, Piazzolla, and Matitia.
The Scholfield-Clarke Duo, featuring saxophonist Richard Scholfield and pianist Iain Clarke, stands out as one of the most exciting Scottish chamber music ensembles of their generation. Renowned for their innovative recital programs, they expertly blend traditional and contemporary elements, captivating audiences with their fresh interpretations and dynamic performances.
Scholfield and Clarke have cultivated a close musical partnership over more than a decade, resulting in an energetic and engaging presence on stage. Their programs often highlight original works from the saxophone repertoire, while also offering new perspectives on historic music through thoughtful transcriptions of composers like Chopin, Amy Beach, Messiaen, and Gershwin. Their artistry has been recognized with a Tunnell Trust Award, and they have performed at prestigious venues such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and Perth Concert Hall.
PROGRAMME (approx. 2 hours duration, with interval)
J.S. Bach (arr. Larocque): Sonata in E flat, BWV.1031
Maurice Ravel (arr. Enzel): Ma mère l'oye (Mother Goose) Suite
Claude Debussy (arr. David): Rapsodie for saxophone & piano
Bizet/Borne (arr. Roth): Fantaisie Brillante sur 'Carmen'
-interval-
Andre Jolivet: Fantaisie impromptu
Erwin Schulhoff: Hot-Sonate
Astor Piazzolla (arr. Amendola): Adiós Nonino
Jean Matitia: The Devil's Rag
The Scholfield-Clarke Duo, featuring saxophonist Richard Scholfield and pianist Iain Clarke, stands out as one of the most exciting Scottish chamber music ensembles of their generation. Renowned for their innovative recital programs, they expertly blend traditional and contemporary elements, captivating audiences with their fresh interpretations and dynamic performances.
Scholfield and Clarke have cultivated a close musical partnership over more than a decade, resulting in an energetic and engaging presence on stage. Their programs often highlight original works from the saxophone repertoire, while also offering new perspectives on historic music through thoughtful transcriptions of composers like Chopin, Amy Beach, Messiaen, and Gershwin. Their artistry has been recognized with a Tunnell Trust Award, and they have performed at prestigious venues such as St Martin-in-the-Fields and Perth Concert Hall.
PROGRAMME (approx. 2 hours duration, with interval)
J.S. Bach (arr. Larocque): Sonata in E flat, BWV.1031
Maurice Ravel (arr. Enzel): Ma mère l'oye (Mother Goose) Suite
Claude Debussy (arr. David): Rapsodie for saxophone & piano
Bizet/Borne (arr. Roth): Fantaisie Brillante sur 'Carmen'
-interval-
Andre Jolivet: Fantaisie impromptu
Erwin Schulhoff: Hot-Sonate
Astor Piazzolla (arr. Amendola): Adiós Nonino
Jean Matitia: The Devil's Rag
