Northern Rivers Symphony Orchestra is excited to feature the clarinet in the upcoming chamber concert, “Spring Sensations”, with the programme including Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet, and two pieces from Bruch’s 8 pieces for Clarinet, Viola and Piano. Here, we ask clarinettist Nathaniel Smorti about his musical journey and what the concert means to him:
When did you start playing the clarinet and why did you choose this instrument?
I started on a plastic recorder! After being fascinated by the electric keyboards in my music school and the cool sounds they made, the recorder was an affordable choice for my family. Then, the clarinet just felt like a natural progression from the recorder. I was lucky that I was able to fall in love with such a versatile and expressive instrument.
What has your clarinet journey been like, where has it taken you and how are you spending your time these days?
Starting from my beginner notes in Taupo, New Zealand, I just kept up clarinet as a hobby alongside my “serious” academic studies. Then, after going to university to study economics, I missed not spending as much time making and thinking about music. I decided to just “give it a go,” enrolled for a music degree, and realised that this could actually be a wonderful and sustainable career. My playing has taken me to Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, before I decided eventually to pursue my Masters degree with the wonderful Paul Dean in Brisbane. I’m lucky enough that music is my job; I teach clarinet and saxophone, conduct ensembles, examine for the AMEB, and undertake research into how we might teach music in the very best ways we can.
For this concert, you’ll be performing Mozart and Bruch. Beautiful melodies! What should the audience be looking and listening out for?
Back in their times, both Mozart and Bruch, but especially Mozart, were known as opera composers! We often forget this today. What this means is that life, wit, humour, drama, tragedy – these are all inseparable from the music of both men. Be listening for the characters, the stories that are going on throughout these melodies, and the twists and turns their journeys take.
You have played many symphonies with the NRSO since 2019 and you were the soloist for Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in 2024. We are so fortunate to have you play with us! In the upcoming concert, the clarinet features in the chamber music group, which is quite rare. Why should people come to this concert?
Oh my… Well, come because you love Mozart, or come because you don’t love Mozart so we can maybe change your mind. Come because you play an instrument yourself, or come because you once did, or because part of you is interested in playing, or maybe your children play or might one day want to. Come if you have questions about classical music or what a musical career might look like, we would be happy to chat. Come to have a smile put on your face, and maybe, if we are good enough, to have a tear or two as well.
Spring Sensations is on Sunday 6th September 2026, 2.30pm at Tweed Heads Civic Centre. Tickets via www.nrso.com.au For enquiries, please phone 0478012324.