Trifarious is an exciting and vibrant contemporary trio comprising Tim Redpath (clarinet/bass clarinet/soprano saxophone), Rachel Calaminus (violin/viola) and piano. Its unique and diverse instrumentation opens up an ever-expanding sound world with which to perform and promote new music exclusively. Formed in 2012 Trifarious has created its own distinctive sound and repertoire and has established itself as a leading force in the world of new music. The ensemble has accrued original repertoire for a variety of instrument combinations from composers as diverse as Barbara Thompson MBE, film composer Edmund Jolliffe, and Andy Scott. The five sound worlds of clarinet, saxophone, violin, viola and piano are all at the disposal of both performer and composer and are complimented by a variety of extended platforms including Akai’s EWi (Electronic Wind Instrument) and acoustic instrument DPA microphones/amplification. The ensemble has set out to become synonymous with new and forward thinking music and its promotion through both performance and education, collaborating with established composers as well as the new generation of young composers.
Recent concert highlights include performances at the International Festival Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain and The Bilbao Festival, as well as many performances throughout the UK. The ensemble also ran an ‘InSpires’ concert series in 2014/15 where it brought new music to local communities, and is planning on running another series later in 2019/2020. Forthcoming 2019 highlights include the Guildford International Festival and The Riverhouse Barn, as well as composition masterclasses at the Royal Northern College of Music in November.
As Artists in Residence at the University of Surrey for 2018/19, Trifarious is halfway through a one-year residency. The ensemble is working with undergraduate and postgraduate students in the Music and Media Department, encompassing the composition, performance, Tonmeister and musicology courses. Recitals, workshops, lecture recitals, instrumental masterclasses and Q&A sessions are given throughout the year and Trifarious maintain a strong presence at the University through offering regular open rehearsals. The residency culminates in a performance at the Guildford International Festival, which will feature the world premiere of ‘Crunch Time’ by leading composer Stephen Goss commissioned by the ensemble. Trifarious is also working with two other leading professors and lecturers at the University, performing new works and arrangements of existing compositions, which include electro-acoustic and improvised compositional elements. Trifarious will also be playing a key role in this years David Lovatt Composers Competition. This will include the added dimension of collaborating and performing with a professional opera singer.
The ensemble’s commitment to education in music is extremely important. Trifarious have presented composition and performance workshops with students from both the Junior and Senior departments at the Royal Academy of Music, and in 2017 hosted workshops with the composition students at the University of Surrey, as well as adjudicating at their annual composition awards. As well as working with conservatoire students, Trifarious has presented workshops during the past four years for GCSE students at St Catherine’s School Bramley. They have also recently worked with A Level students at Cranleigh School, culminating in an evening recital featuring the compositions alongside Trifarious’ own original repertoire.
Trifarious’ debut CD ‘Russian Roulette’ was released in 2015, and 2019 will see the launch of their second album ‘From Eternity to Here’.
Tim Redpath is highly respected as both clarinetist and saxophonist, and has been at the forefront of contemporary chamber music for over thirty years. He has performed and collaborated with some of the most exciting and eclectic musicians around. These include Apollo Saxophone Quartet, London Saxophonic (touring and recording extensively with Michael Nyman and Moondog (Louis Hardin)), Moondog Big Band, Andy Scott’s Sax Assault & Bob Mintzer, Barbara Thompson, Joanna Macgregor, Django Bates and Iain Ballamy. He has broadcast extensively on BBC television, BBC Radio 2, 3 & 4, Classic FM and has featured on over twenty CD albums. He has been guest principal clarinet and saxophonist with many of the UK’s leading orchestras including Opera North, BBC Philharmonic, Hallé, BBC Scottish, RTE, London Chamber Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra. As founder member and soprano saxophonist with the highly acclaimed Apollo Saxophone Quartet for 23 years (1985 – 2008), Tim has amassed a large collection of awards including winner of the Tokyo International Chamber Music Competition (plus the Lufthansa Outstanding Performance Award), Countess of Munster Trust, Royal Overseas League and Tunnell Trust.
As an educator and mentor he has held teaching posts at Liverpool University and the University of Huddersfield, and has given classes at the UKs leading conservatoires including the Royal Academy of Music, Guildhall School of Music & Drama, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music.
From the London Mozart Players to Don Weller, throughout her extensive performing career Rachel Calaminus has demonstrated her ability to perform in all music genres. In great demand as both violin and viola player she leads a busy performing schedule and works with many of the UK’s leading orchestras and ensembles including the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Royal Ballet Sinfonia. She has featured on countless recordings spanning across the whole musical spectrum including classical, jazz, world and popular music.
