On Friday, 14 November, in the Chawton House, Treloar's former student Alessandro Vazzana performed with the Clarion Trio—Oscar Abbott on piano, Georgina Spray on French horn, and Alessandro on Clarion.
There was an audible ‘wow’ from the audience at the end of the first piece and for people who may not have heard the Clarion musical instrument before it is astonishing and eye-opening on how it works as a blended instrument in any setting. It was also a great tool for variation as Clarion was not only a flute, but a clarinet, harp and violin in different pieces; thanks to Clarion, Alessandro was able to change the tone and make-up of the group.
The programme featured modern works which were perfectly suited for a lunchtime audience in Jane Austen’s home village. This talented trio demonstrated that disability is no barrier to exceptional music-making. Their timing, dynamic sensitivity, and focus were evident in every note, leaving the audience spellbound.
Director of Music at Treloar's, Jocelyn Watkins said:
"As a music teacher of children and young people with disabilities, a trustee of Open Up Music (the creators of Clarion), and a musician myself, this felt like the beginning of a new era—where traditional and modern instruments coexist without boundaries. These musicians have faced significant prejudice along their journey, and I listened with immense pride. This was not an audience hearing ‘disabled musicians’; this was an audience just listening to beautifully played music."
