Violinist is playing to home audience (From Stroud News and Journal)

Violinist is playing to home audience

JANUARY brings a hometown concert by a world-renowned violinist to Stroud's Subscription Rooms.

Playing in the town for the first time, Pitchcombe-based James Clark will be accompanied by pianist Richard McMahon in one of the series of Sunday afternoon chamber concerts organised by the venue and the Stroud and District Arts Festival.

Clark started his career as a choirister at King's College Cambridge, from where he went on to study singing and violin at the Royal College of Music.

Clark's subsequent high profile career has carried him around the world as leader of several major British and European orchestras, including the Chamber Orchestra of Europe, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

He has also been the Concert Master of the London Philharmonia Orchestra since 1999 and has been a member of some of Britain's foremost chamber ensembles, including the Endellion Quartet and the Raphael Ensemble.

In partnership with McMahon, he has produced over 20 radio broadcasts and recitals around Britain.

"It has been some years since James Clark has given a solo recital due to his hectic schedule," said the Subscription Rooms' Bairbre McAteer. "He is very much looking forward to playing in his home town."

The concert takes place at the Subscription Rooms on Sunday, January 23 at 2.30pm. Tickets, at £6 or £1.50 for under 16s, are available from the box office. Early booking is advised.