Principal Clarinet Takes the Spotlight

While it may appear as though Allan was always destined for a career with the clarinet, his musical journey has been full of surprises. Allan initially began with piano under the guidance of his grandmother and later his sister, Sue. However, a pivotal shift in his musical direction occurred during his transition to high school. Aiming for a placement in a newly launched music program at Churchlands Senior High School, Allan undertook music aptitude tests. Then, during the interview process, a misunderstanding led to an unforeseen twist.

“I unintentionally gave the impression I only wanted to play piano, but the school’s focus was on orchestral instruments so that an orchestra and a concert band could be formed.” Allan recalls.

This miscommunication initially landed him with the tuba, an instrument his father humorously noted that Allan could fit inside. A timely intervention and a suggestion from his father, inspired by Acker Bilk’s Stranger on the Shore, introduced Allan to the clarinet and the rest, as they say, is history.

Allan’s clarinet studies progressed at the UWA Conservatorium of Music under Jack Harrison, who was, at that time, WASO’s Principal Clarinet. Towards the end of this degree Allan began working casually with WASO and was Principal Clarinet with the WA Arts Orchestra. This path led him to the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, where he served as Second and then Bass Clarinet.

His distinguished career has seen him perform throughout Australia as well as in the USA. He has been guest Principal Clarinet with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and performed in the Musicorda, Mohawk Trail and Williamstown Chamber Music Festivals.

A pivotal moment in Allan’s career came when he returned to WASO, auditioning for and securing the role of Principal Clarinet, the position formerly held by his mentor, Harrison.

Reflecting on his experiences with WASO, Allan highlights a myriad of memorable moments, particularly the leadership of various renowned conductors. He recalls Vladimir Verbitsky’s exceptional handling of Tchaikovsky’s Symphonies, Alexander Lazarev’s interpretations of Shostakovich, Simone Young’s direction of Messiaen’s Turangalila Symphony and Mahler’s symphonies, and Asher Fisch’s expertise in Beethoven, Brahms, and Wagner.

Allan has appeared as soloist with WASO on many occasions and premiered works by Australian composers James Ledger, Iain Grandage, Andrew Schultz and Richard Mills. He performed in the Perth International Arts Festival (now Perth Festival) for the world premiere of Iain Grandage’s Blackwood in 2011 and in 2012 with the Escher String Quartet. In 2016, he performed the Mozart Concerto, a work he has performed many times with WASO, as part of a regional tour conducted by his former student Christopher Dragon.

Currently, Allan is immersed in preparing Brahms’ Clarinet Sonata No.1, a seminal piece in the clarinet repertoire. His preparation involves revisiting his early annotations and adapting his interpretation for an orchestral setting, a process that is both reflective and forward-looking.

“Every clarinettist learns the two Brahms Clarinet Sonatas and then they spend the remainder of their playing years working out which is their favourite! The one I will be playing is the first Sonata and after playing it as a clarinet and piano Sonata for many years it will be exciting to play it with orchestra.”

Don’t miss your opportunity to see Allan’s captivating performance at our final classical concert of the year.

Brahms’ Triumph

Friday 29 & Saturday 30 November

Perth Concert Hall

Tickets

Allan Meyer's Chair is supported by Leanne & Sam Walsh AO through the Duet program.