Emma Burgess, Gareth Twigg and Benjamin Powell

The afternoon opens with Beethoven’s Duo No. 1 in C major, a work that places the clarinet and bassoon on equal footing through a series of bright, conversational exchanges. You will notice how the two woodwind instruments trade melodies, mimicking the structure of a classical dialogue. The mood shifts as Benjamin Powell performs Britten’s Notturno, a solo piano piece that explores quieter, more introspective textures. This is followed by Poulenc’s Sonata for clarinet and bassoon, which offers a sharp contrast with its characteristic French wit and dry, rhythmic energy. The two instruments often play in parallel or stark opposition here, showcasing their distinct tonal ranges. The performance concludes with Glinka’s Trio Pathétique in D minor. In this final work, the piano joins the two wind instruments to create a much fuller, more Romantic sound. Listen for the way the clarinet and bassoon weave around the piano’s foundation, moving from moments of deep melancholy to a high-spirited, energetic finale.

Emma Burgess, Gareth Twigg, and Benjamin Powell are the featured soloists for this chamber recital. As members or frequent collaborators of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, they are deeply integrated into the musical life of the city. The orchestra is celebrated for its versatile programming and its long history at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural scene. While these musicians often perform as part of a large symphonic body, this smaller grouping allows you to hear their individual technical skill and their intuitive communication as a chamber ensemble, focusing on the specific colours of the woodwind and piano repertoire.

This performance takes place at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. The recital lasts approximately 60 minutes without an interval, making it a suitable choice if you are looking for a shorter, concentrated musical experience or if you are new to chamber music. There is no formal dress code required for this event. Given the midday timing and the hour-long duration, it serves as a manageable introduction to the venue’s wider concert season. You will find the hall provides an intimate setting for this particular combination of instruments, where the acoustics support the subtle details of woodwind playing.