Katherine Lacy

Professor of Clarinet

Email: [email protected]

Katherine Lacy grew up in Wrexham and studied at Chetham’s School of Music followed by the Royal Academy of Music.

At the RAM she won the prestigious Buffet Crampon Clarinet Prize in her first year and from her third year onwards combined her studies with regular freelance work with orchestras including the Philharmonia, London Sinfonietta and London Symphony Orchestra.

Immediately after finishing her studies in 2004 she was appointed Principal Bass Clarinet with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, where she spent eight very happy years.

In 2009 she gave the world premiere of “Spinning and Weaving” for solo bass clarinet and ensemble with the RLPO’s Ensemble 10/10 at the Wigmore Hall and throughout her time in Liverpool, Katherine enjoyed many opportunities to play chamber music as well as playing principal clarinet with the orchestra regularly, including at the BBC Proms and for a tour to China. She also gave performances of Weber’s Concertino and Finzi’s Five Bagatelles with the orchestra as soloist when they appeared in her home town, Wrexham.

In 2013 Katherine joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra as Bass Clarinet and two years later was appointed Principal Clarinet with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (a dream come true!) Since then Katherine has enjoyed many career highlights, particularly with the RPO’s former principal conductor Charles Dutoit, including the complete Stravinsky ballets at the Montreux Festival, The Trojans by Berlioz in Geneva and countless performances with legendary pianist Martha Argerich.

In 2018 Katherine released her debut solo recording with the RPO of Mozart’s Concerto and Quintet to critical acclaim. This followed many performances of the Mozart Concerto with the RPO across the country during 2016/2017.

Over the years Katherine has enjoyed freelance playing with most UK orchestras, including playing bass clarinet with the John Wilson Orchestra for many of his proms and a tour to LA, bass clarinet with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and guest principal with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Halle, City of Birmingham Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and BBC National Orchestra of Wales to name but a few.

Katherine is passionate about helping young people to be as prepared as possible for the challenges of a career in classical music and is truly delighted to be joining the RNCM team!