Sam Gillespie is a 19 year old clarinettist from Harrogate, born into a non-musical family Sam is somewhat of an anomaly. He is currently in his second year as a scholar at the Royal Academy of Music where he studies with Chris Richards, co-principal of the LSO; and Chi-Yu Mo, principal Eb clarinet of the LSO. He has also worked with and taken part in many masterclasses with a number of distinguished clarinettists including Richard Hosford, Andrew Marriner, Mark Van de Wiel and Robert Plane among others. Before moving to the Academy Sam studied at Chetham’s School of Music for four years (2010-2014) where he was twice winner of the Woodwind prize. At Chetham’s he was taught by Rosa Campos, principal Eb of the Hallé Orchestra. During his time at Academy Sam has had many different and varied opportunities to perform. He has had the privilege of playing with ULSO, London Mahler Orchestra, KCLSO (European Tour), Arch Sinfonia, VaCO and Mowbray Orchestra. He has also given solo performances for Chester Music Society, at The Forge in Camden and at a private function for Harrogate International Festival. In addition Sam recently played in a masterclass with Julian Lloyd Webber as part of the Harrogate International Festival from which he received great reviews. He has experienced varied and exciting ensemble playing this year. He is part of the Abingdon Wind Quintet; a quintet that rehearses in Abingdon House a school for children with special needs, the children often listening whilst the group are rehearsing. The quintet performed in a private function earlier this year and have a number of upcoming concert opportunities in schools. Sam has also played and performed with a Gershwin style musical theatre trio, comprising piano, voice and clarinet. In June the trio performed at the Riverhouse Arts Centre, Walton on Thames. Looking forward Sam is performing Finzi’s Five Bagatelles with VaCO in Yorkshire in December. He is planning to continue to find many varied orchestral, ensemble and solo opportunities to perform throughout this academic year, whilst continuing to improve on his technique with Chris Richards. His aim is to start entering larger competitions soon and start auditioning for some of the well renowned European orchestras, such as the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester. In his spare time Sam enjoys going running, travelling, watching films, going to church and spending time with his family. Sam would like to thank the charity ‘At the Crossroads’ for their ongoing financial support in his studies.