Antigua-Backun Clarinet is a "Music Inc." Magazine Top 50

The Antigua-Backun Clarinet, announced back in October, has been selected as one of "Music Inc." Magazine's top 50 products. 

"Antigua hasn't offered a wooden clarinet until now, with the release of an instrument designed by Morrie Backun. The CL3230 is made of grenadilla that's aged 25 years or more and is provided by Backun from his Canada-based company's stash of high-end woods. Keywork and assembly are completed in Antigua's factory overseas, and customers have the option of silver-plated or nickel keys. Other features include undercut toneholes and black Valentino synthetic pads. "

Link to Antigua website HERE. 

Martin Fröst pronounces his name

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a masterclass by Martin Fröst at the Colburn School today. I will get my notes up as soon as possible! Until then, just a little video I took today to clear up all controversy about his name. haha

Buffet debuts new "Divine" model clarinet at Frankfurt Messe

Not much information is available about this clarinet right now other than that it is the new top of the line model for Buffet-Crampon. I'll get information to you as soon as I get it! Below are some pics and the YouTube video:

Bring a Friend for Free to the LA Phil

"Attention music lovers! Share the gift of music by bringing a friend for FREE to hear Sibelius’ Sixth Symphony this Saturday at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Find a music loving pal, then use the password FRIEND4FREE here"

- LA Phil Facebook Page

Vänskä conducting Sibelius 6, the Rosenkavalier Suite, and Martin Fröst performing the Aho Clarinet Concerto, don't miss out!!!

This Saturday, March 24! Again, the link is HERE. 

Interlochen Arts Academy Webcast Featuring Alexander Fitterstein

Alexander Fitterstein will be playing Weber's Recitative and Polacca with the Interlochen Arts Academy Orchestra. You can watch the live stream for free March 18 at 3:00pm Eastern Time. 

Link to live stream: http://macad.interlochen.org/livestream

Here's a sample from a rehearsal:

Dogs Have Perfect Pitch

The dogs were first trained to recognize solfege syllables. By playing the correct note on the keyboard the dogs were rewarded with food. Later the person carrying out the tests played a pitch on the ocarina in order to see if the dogs could find the note based upon pitch instead of a verbal solfege command. Surprisingly the dogs immediately understood and were able to find the notes. The dogs were also able to mimic basic tunes played on the ocarina.

"Wolves are known to have absolute pitch. They are able to recognize their pack mates by their individual vocalizations. Pavlov's students showed that dogs also possess absolute pitch."

Inside the Case (responses thus far)

Anthony McGill, Principal Clarinet Metropolitan Opera Orchestra

   

Chris Peryagh

Hilary Zirkle, Junior Peabody Conservatory

Charles Sonoda, Freshman DePaul University

Joshua Anderson, Sophomore Peabody Conservatory

Jennifer Hughson, Masters Student Peabody Conservatory

Joel Weszka, Masters Student Peabody Conservatory

James Duncan, Sophomore Peabody Conservatory

Yuri Kim, Junior Peabody Conservatory