Lenny
Sayers is the principal bass clarinet player of the BBC National
Orchestra of Wales. He studied Music at York University followed by
a Master’s degree and postgraduate diploma at the Royal Northern
College of Music in Manchester. In June 2001 he was a concerto
finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Musician of The Year.
Before joining the BBC NOW in October 2011,
Lenny worked for ten years as a freelance clarinet player and
teacher based in Manchester. He has performed with the Hallé
Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic,
the BBC Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra,
Manchester Camerata, Opera North, Lancashire Sinfonietta, Ensemble
10/10 and Psappha.
Lenny is an active chamber musician, and from
1999 to 2011 he was a member of the Fell
Clarinet Quartet with whom he performed throughout the UK,
recorded two CDs, and for four years held the position of Woodwind
Ensemble-in-Residence at Salford University. He is currently
a member of the wind quintet ‘Flourish’, made up of members of BBC
NOW.
Lenny has had a long association with Live
Music Now! and currently trains and mentors new ensembles on the
scheme. He is also an active participant in the education and
outreach work with BBC NOW.
Lenny is a published composer and has had a
number of his chamber music works recorded professionally. His many
arrangements of Klezmer music have proved very popular with
musicians and audiences, and have been performed throughout the
world. His music has also been featured on Radio 3 and BBC Radio
Scotland.