Hire John Macnaughton | Clarinettist in London

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From£268.75

1 hour

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About John

Saxophonist and Clarinettist specializing in the folk/world music scene in London, UK

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Clarinettist

London

Public liability insurance of £10 million

John studied on the prestigious BA Jazz course at Leeds College of Music (2010), and graduated from the MA Music Performance course at SOAS (2017) with distinction. Having played with many leading ensembles and musicians John has also worked in theatre (the London Bubble, Nick Cassenbaum, Viva Productions), and done both live and recorded sessions for television and film (BBC Persian, BBC World Service, Bleach Productions, BMG). Current projects include leading; Klezmer Foygl (Klezmer Songbird) - a new ensemble featuring some of the UK's finest Klezmer musicians, working with Ilana Cravitz to run the National Klezmer Youth Orkester (NKYO), and being a director and co-founder of 'KlezMargate' Festival. He also co-founded award-winning Klezmer ensemble 'Oysland' (World Music Network, Battle of the Bands, 2017), trad Klezmer trio 'Loshn', and plays traditional Bulgarian/Macedonian music with 'Raka Balkan Band'. As an educator, John has extensive experience teaching Klezmer music, having tutored students at BA and Masters level, and being a faculty member at Festivals including KlezNorth (2024, and 2025), KlezMargate (2024), and KlezFest London (2023 and 2024). He also directed the SOAS (University of London) Klezmer band from 2015-2019. 'Barnstorming alto sax' Ian Mann, thejazzmanndotcom, London Jazz Festival, 2015 'Top-notch, next-generation Klezmer' DJ Ritu, A World in London, Resonance FM ‘Top musicianship, true to the Klezmer tradition and great fun too!’ Broadstairs Folk Festival

John

5 out of 5

3 verified reviews

John's Reviews

5 out of 5

Hi, Just a quick line to say you were fabulous and created such a fine atmosphere. Many many thanks. Best, Matthew dugdale

5 out of 5

Hi John, It's Ruth here - the Birthday girl from the Klezmer Keilidh on 20th Apr. I wanted to thank you and Band for a simply wonderful evening. Everyone had a fabulous time, people have come up and said to me "as soon as the Band started playing" they just had to "get up and dance!" Another friend said that he had the "Best fun ever" The first piece was great at getting everyone up and involved. Really fun. Then I appreciated being able to lead Tsadik Katamar, and Jerusalama. Having some dances in 2s, and other in 3s allowed for those who came as a couple, or who came on their own to join with others. Thank you so, so much, again. Best wishes, Ruth

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1st Anniversary

This act has been working with Encore for over a year

John's Song list

Klezmer/Jewish events;

Simcha rep;

Siman Tov

Chosen Kale Mazel Tov

Hevenu Shalom

Hava Nagila

Ose Shalom

Moshiach

Od Yishama

Yasis

Seu Shearim

Yismechu

Hannukah;

Dreidl Song

Moaz Tsur

Oh Hannukah!

Dances;

Yesh

Nigun Atik

Mayim Mayim

Hora Chadera

Tzadik Katamar

Ciuleandra

Kolomeyke

Patsh Tanz

Sher

Freylekhs

Bulgar

Zhok/Hora

Khosidl

Waltz

Polka

Sirba

Yiddish Song;

Belz

Ale Brider

Erster Vals

Shnirele Perele

Papirossen

Proik

Klaybt Zikh Tsunoyf

etc.

John's Prices

Last updated: 2025

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Duration	Price
Short performance (up to 15 min)	£206.25
Up to 1 hour	£268.75
Up to 2 hours	£343.75
Up to 3 hours	£406.25

Drinks reception, Clarinet and Accordion duo2 hours

-Two performances of up to 45 mins each during your drinks reception -Includes us bringing our PA or amps, depending on event size -2 musicians, clarinet and accordion (or guitar)

£875

Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Reception and Chairs, Trio lineup2 hours

-2x 45minute sets music -3 piece band (Clarinet, Accordion, Double Bass/Poik) -One set of background, and one simcha/chairs set -This includes us bringing our PA system.

£1375

Drinks Reception and Simcha, Full Band2 hours

-2x 45minute sets music -Full 4 piece band (Clarinet, Accordion, Double Bass, Poik) -One set of background and one simcha/chairs set -This includes us bringing our PA system.

£1750

Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

'Barnstorming alto sax' Ian Mann, thejazzmann.com, London Jazz Festival, 2015 'Top-notch, next-generation Klezmer' DJ Ritu, A World in London, Resonance FM ‘Top musicianship, true to the Klezmer tradition and great fun too!’ Broadstairs Folk Festival

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

I have performed across the UK, aswell as internationally at venues and festivals including; BBC Radio Theatre, BBC Maida Vale Studios, Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival (Germany), Southern Soul Festival (Montenegro), Spettacolo Brunnen (Switzerland), Wiltons Music Hall (London), The Jam Jar (Bristol) etc..

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Many of the great klezmer Clarinettists - including Dave Tarras and Naftule Brandwein, aswell as Saxophonists including Ferus Mustafov, and Yuri Yunakov, and Jazz legends such as Cannonball Adderley, and Illinois Jacquet...

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

I sung in a choir backing Rod Stewart at Twickenham with Rod Stewart in 2007.....

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

If timings change please let me know with as much notice as possible and I will try my best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible.

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Yes I can provide this service for an extra fee

How much time do you need to set up?

Usually around 1 hour

Can I pick the pieces you play from the set list?

I'm happy to discuss repertoire in advance and include some requests

Do you bring all the equipment you need to perform?

Yes, but there's an extra cost if a PA system is required

Can you learn specific pieces before the event?

Absolutely, happy to do this. Cost for this is on a case by case basis.

Musicianship

Genres:

Klezmer, Christmas, Classical, Film / TV music, Contemporary classical, Musical theatre, 1920s era music, 1930s era music, 1940s era music, Folk, Jazz, Blues, Latin jazz, Swing, Motown, Vintage, R&B, World music, Balkan, Brazilian music, Choro, Chuppah ceremony music, Greek music, Cumbia, Latin, Samba, Yiddish roots music, Tango, Polka, Polish music, Italian music, Hebrew songs, Jewish music, Salsa, Merengue, Ska, Armenian, African music, Argentinian, Afrobeat, Caribbean music, Cuban music, Light music, Easy listening, Marching, Originals, 1950s era music

See all genres

Instruments:

Clarinet, Alto saxophone, Tenor saxophone

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Event types:

Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Bar / Club / Venue event, Corporate event, Private event, Concert, Recording session, New Year's Eve, Cruise, Theatre / Show, Birthday party, Hotel / Restaurant event

See all event types

Other skills:

Composer, Actor, Fluent improviser, Instrumental teaching, Composition teaching, Theory teaching, Community music worker, Musicologist

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