Harrogate International Sunday Series - Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson

Imagine a lazy Sunday morning. But instead of the usual, picture this: a hot coffee in hand, a comfy chair, and the sound of world-class live music filling the room. That’s exactly what’s on offer in Harrogate, as the celebrated Harrogate International Sunday Series brings two incredible musicians to the stage. On Sunday, 1st March, rising British clarinet star Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and award-winning pianist Kumi Matsuo will be performing together, offering a perfect escape into the world of classical music.

A Sunday morning with a difference in Harrogate

For more than 30 years, these unique Sunday concerts have been a bit of a local treasure. The idea is simple but brilliant: take the relaxed feel of a coffee morning and mix it with breathtaking performances from some of the world's best classical musicians. It’s a chance to experience the power of live music without the formality of a massive concert hall. The events all happen at the historic Old Swan Hotel, a place that’s got stories soaked into its walls. This choice of venue is key, as it provides an intimate setting where the audience can feel properly connected to the performance. It’s about getting up close to the music and feeling every note, something that can be lost in a bigger space. These concerts are a cornerstone of the cultural scene in Harrogate.

Meet the musicians: Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and Kumi Matsuo

So, who are the stars of this particular show? First up is Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson, a clarinettist who is making some serious waves. Graduating from both the Royal College of Music and the world-famous Juilliard School is no small feat – it’s the musical equivalent of being scouted by a Premier League team and a top European club at the same time. Mebrakh isn't just a one-trick pony, either. He’s a gifted multi-instrumentalist who also plays the flute, oboe, and piano. His talent has already taken him around the globe, from touring Australia to making his solo debut in the US. He's a musician with a real story to tell through his clarinet.

Joining him is the equally impressive Kumi Matsuo on the piano. An award-winning solo and collaborative pianist, Kumi has performed in some of the most prestigious venues an artist can dream of, including Wigmore Hall and Tokyo Opera City Hall. When a pianist of her calibre and a clarinettist like Mebrakh get together, it’s a recipe for something special. The combination of clarinet and piano is a classic pairing, and these two musicians are set to show the audience exactly why. The international experience of both performers promises a morning of exceptional music.

What's on the setlist? A musical journey

The programme for the concert is a brilliant mix of some of the greatest composers for the clarinet and piano. It’s like a greatest hits collection, but for classical music fans. They’ll be playing pieces by Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Debussy, and Brahms.

Image source: Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson, left, performing. (Credit Silver Photography)..png

• Schumann’s Fantasiestücke: Think of this as a series of short musical stories or daydreams. Robert Schumann was a master of capturing fleeting emotions, and this piece is full of character and imagination.

• Saint-Saëns’s Clarinet Sonata: This piece by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns is elegant, charming, and beautifully written, showcasing the clarinet’s smooth and agile voice.

• Debussy’s Premiere Rhapsodie: Claude Debussy’s music is often described as being like a watercolour painting in sound. This piece is dreamy, atmospheric, and full of shimmering colours, a true test for any clarinettist.

• Brahms’s Clarinet Sonata No. 1: And finally, a true giant of the repertoire. Johannes Brahms wrote this piece late in his life after being inspired by a particular clarinettist. It’s powerful, deeply emotional, and considered one of the best pieces ever written for the instrument.

Speaking ahead of the Sunday Series concert, Mebrakh expressed his hopes for the day: “I hope the audience in Harrogate leave the hall having discovered new works from a variety of people, places and eras, and that the music resonates as deeply with them as it does with me.”

More than just a concert

These events are about creating connections – between the musicians, the music, and the audience. They provide a platform for incredibly talented people to share their passion. The Chief Executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, shared her excitement for this upcoming performance. “We are thrilled to have two such supremely talented musicians as Mebrakh and Kumi performing on stage together,” she said. “The Sunday Series concerts are all about providing a platform to some of the best classical musicians out there and I’m sure their programme, showcasing the wonders of the clarinet and piano, will wow the audience.” This series of concerts is a vital part of bringing international talent to a local stage, allowing people to experience world-class art right on their doorstep. The performance by Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and Kumi Matsuo is set for 11am on Sunday, 1st March, at the Old Swan Hotel. It’s a chance to discover something new and be moved by the simple power of a clarinet, a piano, and two phenomenal artists.