Philip Tarlton - Clarinet
Previously of the London Philharmonic Orchestra

For health reasons after a bout of pneumonia at the age of just seven, it was suggested by the family GP that Philip should take up a wind instrument, because it would be good for his lungs. A colleague of his father had a clarinet for sale, which was bought, and Philip's road to health and practical involvement in music making began. However, at the age of thirteen, a television program, "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" inspired Philip to want to play the bassoon, which became his principal instrument as a professional musician. Having left college in 1972, Philip freelanced for two years in the north of England with the various well known orchestras, and was a founder member of the Manchester Camerata, which whom he played an broadcast the Mozart Bassoon Concerto.




Photo kind courtesy of Pam Lewis

In 1974 he auditioned successfully for the post of principal bassoonist with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff. He held that post until he moved to London in 1986, where he freelanced for three years with many of the leading orchestras. Philip became a full time member of the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1989. In December 1994 Philip played the Weber Bassoon Concerto with Dinas Powys Orchestra.

After nearly twenty years with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Philip's bassoon career came to an abrupt end. As a result of surgery for a malignant melanoma, the muscles in his lower right face were paralysed and the embouchure for paying bassoon could no longer be formed. Because the embouchure for the clarinet is very different and does not solely rely on the face muscles, Philip has come full circle and "for health reasons", now plays the clarinet again after a forty two year break, albeit as an amateur!

Philip is a keen supporter of two particular charities - the Musicians Benevolent Fund, and CANHELP, a cancer charity which researches into malignant melanoma. Without the help and assistance of both these charities his life would be very different. Philip will continue to perform the Mozart Clarinet Concerto to raise funds for these worthy organisations.