MY CULTURAL LIFE BERGINALD RASH
Clarinettist and broadcaster Berginald Rash is based in Dublin where he has curated the chamber series From Antiquity to Modernity at the National Concert Hall, which runs on May 19, 26 and June 16.
BOOK THE CLARINET
Eric Hoeprich is, by all accounts, one of the premiere historical clarinet performers and teachers – and he literally wrote a book on it, which I’m reading. I’ve been able to delve into the world of historically informed performance, and specifically that of historical clarinet, thanks to the support of the Arts Council. This scholarship was strongly recommended to me, as it covers the history of the clarinet, makers, styles of playing and so much more.
TV ABBOTT ELEMENTARY
I love these three: Abbott Elementary (Disney+) is about overcoming challenges within the education system and doing so with joy, tenacity, commitment and a level of dedication that I find really encouraging. Bee and PuppyCat (Netflix) is soothing – the colours, the soundtrack, the over-the-top but sincere storyline... it’s sublime and always puts me in the right frame of mind for a good sleep. Hazbin Hotel (Amazon Prime) is pure raunch and adult humour served in the form of an irreverent cartoon that tugs at the heartstrings.
MUSIC ELLA FITZGERALD
Jazmine Sullivan’s album Heaux Tales; Ella Fitzgerald’s complete discography; Tamar Braxton’s album Bluebird of Happiness; Ari Lennox and Durand Bernarr; The Clark Sisters, especially Twinkie Clark and Dorinda Clark-Cole; Omara Portuondo’s album La Sitiera. There’s so much good music out there. Each of these albums paint a different portrait or landscape, conveying a different message. But in all of them, the way the singers use their voice is unmatched.
FESTIVAL MALBORO MUSIC
Marlboro Music Festival in Vermont, because of its association with my favourite clarinettist, Harold Wright; Dublin International Chamber Music Festival, for its dynamic, exciting and forward-thinking approach to programming; Essence Music Festival in New Orleans – I’ve never been but would love to go.