“Until you’ve heard Martin Fröst, you haven’t really heard the clarinet.” – The Times
Swedish clarinetist Martin Fröst is known throughout the world for his virtuosic abilities and his dedication to stretching the boundaries of the traditional classical music performance. His championing of pieces such as Anders Hillborg’s Peacock Tales has led to developing performances that not only include clarinet, but dance and theatrical production as well. If you’re curious about this multi-talented musician, here’s five things you may (or may not) know about Martin Fröst:
- Dances to a Black Pipe, Fröst’s latest CD includes dance music by Copland, Brahms, Piazzolla, and Goran Fröst, Martin’s brother. The CD also features Ojai alums Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. Watch Fröst and the ACO recording Dances to a Black Pipe here.
- Fröst is a longtime collaborator with 2012 Music Director Leif Ove Andsnes, and has been a frequent performer at the Risør Music Festival in Norway.
- He is the Artistic Director of the Vinterfest in Mora, Sweden and of the International Chamber Music Festival in Stavanger, Norway.
- Several of his special projects (Peacock Tales, Dance to Black Pipe, No Strings Attached) can only be described as monodramas, with Fröst himself playing the main role and musical lead, creating new ways to convey stories and music to audiences. Here’s a preview of Peacock Tales, which Fröst will be performing at the Sunday Morning Concert.
- Even royalty love Martin Fröst. He was the only classical instrumentalist featured during the gala concert celebrating the marriage of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel Westling.
Fröst will be performing in Ojai during the Saturday Morning and Evening concerts, as well as the Sunday morning concert. Highlights will include his famous performance of Peacock Tales and Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, among other works, among others. Buy tickets to the 2012 Festival here.
If you can’t wait until June, he will be performing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on March 24-25.
And finally, a little Friday treat – Fröst and Malena Ernman performing Flight of the Bumblebee.