Levon Parikian
Levon Parikian has been described as "brilliant young conductor" by the Sunday Telegraph, "the most stylish batsman I have seen at this level" by his cricket captain Ken Saberi, and "dadadada" by his 2-year-old son Oliver.
These statements have all undergone rigorous forensic analysis by crime scene experts like what you see on the telly, and they have all been found to be mostly accurate, depending on your point of view. The second statement, for example, is hotly disputed by his brother, and unkind critics have suggested that the use of the word "young" in the first statement represents, at the very least, a discreet massaging of the truth. The veracity of the third statement is not in dispute.
Lev's hobbies include avoiding housework, trying to remember why he came upstairs, and making retaliatory hoax calls to call centres.
The April 2013 concert at St John's, Smith Square, will mark Lev's final regular appearance with Kingston Philharmonia.
Clare Howick
Clare Howick has been associated with the Kingston Philharmonia for 30 years, both as a leader and as a soloist. Clare performs a different, and sometimes unusual, violin concerto with KPO every year. Her husband is a member, and her mother a past member of the orchestra and Clare sees KPO as an extension of her musical family.
Clare is at the forefront of a new generation of inspiring violinists. Her debut CD, Cyril Scott — Sonata Lirica and Other Violin Works (on the Dutton Epoch label) won great acclaim and was awarded Editor's Choice in Gramophone magazine. A second disc of Cyril Scott — Violin Sonatas 1-3 was subsequently recorded for Naxos and was awarded Four Stars in Audiophile Audition and Specially Commended in Albion magazine. Clare's most recent disc, also for Naxos, is of violin works by British Women Composers which was awarded Editor's Choice in Classical Music magazine and was Recording of the Month on Music Web International.
Clare has performed most of the violin concerto repertoire with several orchestras including the Philharmonia Orchestra (London), and has performed at various festivals, including the Covent Garden and Cheltenham International Festival. She has broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM as well as worldwide.
As a champion of new music, Clare has premiered a number of 20th century works, both on disc and in performance. In April 2013 at St John's Smith Square, Clare will be performing the world premiere of Serenade for violin and orchestra especially written for her by Paul Patterson.
Clare combines solo and chamber performances with appearing as a guest leader of many orchestras, including the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Ulster Orchestra, Northern Sinfonia, and the Orchestra of English National Opera.
Clare Howick was a student of Maurice Hasson at the Royal Academy of Music and also studied with Anne-Sophie Mutter, Zahkar Bron, Ida Haendel and Dorothy DeLay. Clare won First Prize at the Jellinek Competition and has received many awards including from The Worshipful Company of Musicians, The Tillett Trust and the Countess of Munster Trust.
You can contact Clare via her web site.