Laurence Perkins Steps Down

After 43 years with Manchester Camerata, Laurence Perkins has made the decision to leave his post as principal bassoonist with the orchestra.

Laurence said: “It has been a pleasure and privilege to work with such a fine team of players for so long, and this has been a difficult and painful decision. One of my life goals has always been to make the bassoon better known and appreciated as a solo musical voice, and that will be my main focus from now onwards.”.

Camerata CEO, Bob Riley said “Laurence’s huge musical commitment to Camerata and characterful playing has been an integral part of the orchestra’s success as recently recognised by the Royal Philharmonic Society’s ‘Ensemble of the year’ award. His innovative approach and dedication has been an example and support for us all and we wish him great success in his increasingly busy international solo and chamber music schedule.”

Laurence joined Manchester Camerata as principal bassoonist in October 1974, when he was still a student at the Royal Northern College of Music, and went on to record a critically acclaimed ‘Bassoon Concertos’ CD with Camerata and conductor Douglas Boyd for Hyperion. He also performed many solo concertos in concert with Camerata, and for ten years toured and performed with the Camerata Wind Soloists directed by clarinettist Janet Hilton.

Laurence’s great passion as an advocate for the bassoon, and his spirit of innovation has led to many highly successful and ongoing educational projects including ‘Bassoon Voyager’ – a one hour live solo concert performance with video projection – See here. Laurence has a major new solo recording due for release shortly on the Hyperion label, plus further solo and chamber music recordings at an advanced stage of planning. You can find details and updated information on Laurence’s concert and educational work on his website https://laurenceperkins.com/