'I have been lucky enough to travel extensively throughout
my career and especially over the past decade I have given
masterclasses in numerous different countries. Although
I have often been dazzled by the sheer technical fluency
which some of the students show in their performances I
feel that many of them fail to reveal any real understanding
of the composer's intentions and they are not moved
by beauty of sound. The young British clarinettist, Ben
Westlake, is a notable exception - he lives and breathes
the clarinet and consequently his playing communicates not
only technical assurance and flair but also an intelligent,
inherent musicianship which belies his age. His CD is amazing
and shows that his playing has soul. I recommend it very
highly. '
David
Campbell
Review of Ben Westlake’s performance of the Weber
‘Concertino’ with the Luton Symphony Orchestra,
conducted by Uwe Radok on 1 December 2007.
'Ben Westlake’s performance of the Weber Concertino
was the highlight of the evening. His thoughtful
performance, elegant tone and controlled athleticism in
the quicker passages brought out all of the musical qualities
that Weber must have envisaged for the clarinet soloist.
Ben certainly captured the audience’s attention and
elicited an enthusiastic accompaniment from the members
of the Luton Symphony Orchestra. '
Uwe Radok - Luton
Symphony Orchestra
'I have had the pleasure of knowing Ben for two years now.
Although he is first and foremost a clarinettist he has
a real yen to discover the world of conducting. Ben has
been coming for private lessons and has also recently attended
one of the courses I run.
In so many ways he is mature far beyond his years; his perception
of musical phrase, sound quality and shaping is, quite simply,
remarkable. Time will tell what the future holds for Ben,
but at this stage so much is possible.
I recommend him, without reservation, to anyone who wants
to see young talent at its best.'
Peter
Stark - Professor of Conducting, Royal College of Music
I have watched Ben's progress as a gifted young clarinettist
for some years now and I continue to be impressed not only
by his growing technical mastery of the instrument, but
also by the increasing purity of his musical approach. To
have reached his present standard by the age of 15 is remarkable.
John Joubert - Composer
