Ayrshire-born clarinettist and saxophonist Ross began his musical studies as a pianist, entering the Royal Scottish Academy Junior Department at the age of eight. At 16, Ross then took up the saxophone and clarinet, studying at Douglas Academy, and moved on to study both instruments at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS), completing his Joint Principal Study bachelor’s degree in 2015.
Ross turned his focus to the clarinet during his second year at RCS and during his studies, spent an exchange term at the Conservatorio di Verona E.F. Dall’Abaco in Italy. In 2016, Ross completed a Master of Arts Performance in clarinet at RCS, for which he was gratefully supported by Help Musicians UK.
Performing on both clarinet and saxophone, Ross has enjoyed orchestral experience across the UK and Europe, in 2010 performing the premiere of Katrina Gordon’s Saxophone Concerto with the Highland Chamber Orchestra at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness. Ross has performed saxophone with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, clarinet with I Virtuosi Italiani and in 2012 took part in the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra Mentoring Scheme. In 2016, he was selected to be mentored on clarinet with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and he has played alongside Red Note Ensemble as part of its Advanced Academy collaboration with Paris Conservatoire and Sibelius Academy.
Most recently, Ross has been touring the UK, Umbria and Tuscany performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with Stirling Orchestra and Raucous Rossini, whilst also appearing as clarinettist with new opera company Puccini’s Toaster in Berlin.
As a chamber musician, Ross was a member of Athenaeum Winds who were appointed Residency Artists with Enterprise Music Scotland, in great demand giving regular concerts and workshops around the UK. Ross also enjoys his teaching work, and taught as an instrumental teacher in Morrison’s Academy, Perthshire.
What do you love about classical music?
I enjoy the collaborative nature of playing with friends, and being challenged – not always ending up where you expect. Listening to music is something I do every day and the thrill of having hundreds of thousands of albums at the touch of a button means there’s plenty to choose from, and keeps it fresh! And of course I love the euphoria that comes with performing music in a variety of different settings, it’s a real privilege!
What’s on your playlist right now?
Rachel Podger’s La Cetra with the Holland Baroque Society and Mozart Complete Symphonies by Mozart Akademie Amsterdam and Jaap Ter Linden. Stunning recordings!
What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?
I play badminton. Terribly, but with enthusiasm.