MetSO's Ben Clapton - Concert Master
Ben
Clapton
What instrument do you play with the MetSO?
The Violin. It’s a 1900s German copy of a 1795 Joseph Klotz.
I’ve played on it since about 2001, and it gained the nickname “Violet”
Do you play any other instruments?
Yes, I play the guitar, keyboard, drums and I sing.
I also learned the trombone, and could hold down a decent third trombone part in a beginner band.
How many years have you played with MetSO?
Since rehearsals recommenced after the break for COVID.
How do you support your musical life?
I’m currently studying a Master of Teaching (Secondary) to become a music teacher, and I have just started teaching violin through the West Coast Music School.
Favourite 3 Symphonies?
Dvorak 9 (particularly the 4th movement),
Beethoven 5,
Mahler 2.
Favourite concerto?
Mendelssohn Violin Concerto
Favourite 3 composers of all time?
Bach,
Mendelssohn,
Dvorak
Favourite 20th Century composer?
Philip Glass
Favourite Australian composers?
Matthew Hindson
Favourite movie sound track?
Lord of the Rings trilogy
What is a secret about you?
If I told you that, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.
What is your most memorable stage experience?
In 2019, Bendigo Symphony Orchestra performed Dvorak 8 with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
Sitting next to Peter Edwards leading the orchestra was an amazing experience.
What is your favourite thing about Perth?
Perth is home, where our family is.
We love the beach, and how we are able to get to pretty much anywhere we need to within half an hour.
What sound do you hate?
The dentist’s drill.
If you could only take one recording to a desert island what would it be?
I’m going to cheat and say “J.S. Bach – The New Complete Edition” which contains recordings of all of Bach’s compositions.
If I can’t have that, then Janine Jansen’s recording of The Four Seasons.
What is the hardest thing you have ever played?
The Superman Theme by John Williams. Such an iconic piece, but the violin part is incredibly tricky.