“The trio were absolutely fantastic in their interaction with the mixed audience. They played for patients - birth to 16 years old, their parents and carers, staff and visitors. They positively encouraged interaction. There was curiosity about their instruments. Some patients were dancing and there was joy and wonderment on many faces. Staff were smiling and dancing. They had a large repertoire.”
— Alder Hey Children's Hospital
Formed in 2007 by Bethan, Rachel and Sarah, Manchester Reed Trio is a dynamic and versatile chamber ensemble, comprising of oboe, clarinet and bassoon.
We met whilst studying at the Royal Northern College of Music and being great friends, we decided to enhance our work (and friendships!) by creating Manchester Reed Trio. We have had a huge variety of experiences, performing in a wide range of venues and most importantly bringing our music to a wonderfully diverse audience.
The flexibility of the instrumentation leads to a varied and sonorous sound world, for which a wide range of styles has been written, including Obsidian by composer Norman Skipp, which we commissioned in 2011.
We perform regularly for Music in Hospitals and Care. Having received funding from the Arts Council of England and Grundtvig we were fortunate to train with the inspiring Musique et Santé in Paris and to witness their approach to bringing music into healthcare settings.
We regularly give recitals including for The Collegiate Church of St. Mary in Stafford, Grange over Sands, Sallow Tree concert series in Sale, Liverpool University, Grimsby Minster and also in Lincoln as part of the International Chamber Music Series. In May 2011, we were invited as special guests of Trio de Poche to take part in the European Exchange of reed trios in Dijon, France where we were the sole British representatives. We perform annually for the Chorlton Arts Festival and since 2012 have directed performances of various larger chamber works such as Gran Partita by Mozart, Serenade in C minor by Mozart and also Dvorak’s Serenade for Winds with other musicians from the area.
Education is an intrinsic part of our identity and we have led workshops throughout the UK individually tailored to inspire each audience. We have had the great privilege of tutoring and adjudicating many musicians, including the young talent of Staffordshire for CLASSic, in Newcastle under Lyme.
Since Autumn 2015 we have been fortunate enough to provide music in the atrium of the beautiful new Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, which we hope has created a relaxed ambience for patients, families and staff.
In the course of the pandemic we kept busy with various recording projects to remain in touch with our audiences, but are now delighted to have resumed live performances.
