Toad Lane Concert: Johanna Leung clarinet and Ashley Lum piano

Ashley Lum and Johanna Leung

On the day that the Royal Northern College of Music was 50 years young (Wednesday 28 June), it was appropriate that two of its recent graduates performed for Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum Church.

The RNCM opened on 28 June 1973, incorporating both the Royal Manchester College of Music (founded by Sir Charles Hallé in 1893) and the Northern School of Music (est. 1920).

Now, as well as being a top international music conservatoire, the RNCM stands at the heart of Manchester’s music scene, attracting the best musicians from across the globe and training the next generation of players, singers, conductors and composers.

Clarinettist Johanna Leung had much early success in Hong Kong and gained a master’s from the RNCM in 2021. Similarly, pianist Ashley Lum graduated initially from UCSI Malaysia, and completed a master’s at the RNCM, where she is currently studying further in accompaniment.

This exceptional duo gave a masterful and assured interpretation of Robert Schumann’s Fantasiestücke Op 73, a favoured choice for clarinettists with sumptuous accompaniments for the skilled pianist.

Composer Nino Rota is famous for his film scores such as The Godfather and Romeo and Juliet. His Sonata in D proved charming and elegant in his classical guise.

Ashley contributed an evocative piano solo from Ravel’s Miroirs, Oiseaux Triste (sad birds) conveying its impressionism beautifully and making full use of the vintage 1933 Challen Grand Piano.

Donato Lovreglio’s concert showpiece ‘Fantasia da la concerto based on themes from Verdi’s popular La Traviata’ made a delightful finale from two worthy representatives of the RNCM ethos.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson