RNCM welcomes five new professors to the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion

One of the world’s leading clarinettists, Julian Bliss enjoys an international career as a concerto soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, and jazz artist. He has performed with many of the world’s most prestigious orchestras and at major concert halls and festivals across Europe, Asia, Australasia, and the Americas. A passionate advocate for music education, Julian is recognised for his outstanding musicianship, versatility, and commitment to inspiring the next generation of performers. His recent recording of clarinet concertos by Magnus Lindberg and Kalevi Aho won the 2026 BBC Music Magazine Award in the Concerto category.

An internationally sought-after teacher and competition juror, Mariano García is a professor at the Catalonia College of Music (ESMUC) in Barcelona and has worked with major conservatoires around the world. He is a founding member of the acclaimed AniMa Duo and has made significant contributions to the development of saxophone performance and education through his concert work, recordings, and involvement with initiatives including Musethica and Andorra Sax Fest.

Elena Comelli has been a member of the Hallé since 2017 and also enjoys a flourishing freelance career across the UK and internationally. As Guest Principal Bassoon, Elena has performed with leading orchestras including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, City of Birmingham Symphony, Scottish Chamber, and Oxford Philharmonic. An experienced educator, she has previously taught at Chetham’s School of Music and delivered masterclasses at major conservatoires across the UK.

RNCM alumnus Gareth Twigg is one of the UK’s most experienced contrabassoon specialists. Principal Contrabassoon of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra since 2009, he has also enjoyed a distinguished freelance career performing with many of the country’s leading orchestras, including the London Symphony, BBC Symphony, City of Birmingham Symphony, and Hallé Orchestras.

Principal Flautist with the Scottish Ballet Orchestra, Frederico Paixão has quickly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young wind players. His orchestral work includes appearances as Guest Principal Flute with the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and Hallé Orchestras. His recording work includes Ein Heldenleben with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Santtu-Matias Rouvali, and Joe Hisaishi’s Harp Concerto with Emmanuel Ceysson, recorded for Deutsche Grammophon with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

These new appointments reflect the RNCM’s continued commitment to ensuring students learn from performers who are actively shaping today’s international music profession. Through individual tuition, masterclasses, ensemble coaching, and professional mentoring, each professors will help prepare students for successful and sustainable careers across orchestral, chamber, and solo settings.

Kevin Gowland, Director of Woodwind, said:  ‘I am absolutely delighted that Julian Bliss (International Visiting Professor of Clarinet), Mariano Garcia (International Visiting Professor of Saxophone), Frederico Paixo (Professor of Flute/Baroque Flute) Elena Comelli (Professor of Bassoon) and Gareth Twigg (Professor of Contrabassoon) will be joining the School of Wind, Brass and Percussion from September 2026. Each one has a wealth of expertise to share with our students, and I am looking forward to working closely with them.’