Sacha Rattle and Peter Donohoe are two prominent names in the world of classical music, each known for their exceptional skills as a clarinettist and pianist, respectively. Both have had hugely successful careers and made significant contributions to the world of classical music. As these two musical geniuses are set to play together at Buxton International Festival on 18 July 2023 – we take a closer look at how they have both became the highly acclaimed musicians they are today.
Sacha Rattle
Born in London in 1983, Sacha Rattle began studying the clarinet at the age of 9 at the Birmingham Conservatoire and in 2005, he received his Performance Diploma at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Ohio under Professor Richard Hawkins. Interested in the German school of clarinet playing, Sacha then moved to Berlin to study with Karl-Heinz Steffens at the Hanns Eisler Academy of Music.
As a young person Sacha’s musical career ahead was clear. Since his highly praised 2009 solo debut at Berlin’s Philharmonie, he has become an established soloist. Noted for his immense sensitivity, warm character and unique sound, his career has developed rapidly with performances throughout Europe including festival appearances at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Spannungen Festival, Gidon Kremer’s Kammermusikfest, Lockenhaus and Italy’s AnimaMundi Festival.
Rattle’s talent and hard work paid off and he is now one of the most sought-after chamber musicians in the world today. He has collaborated with some of the most celebrated musicians of our time, including Isabelle Faust, Lars Vogt, Katia and Marielle Labèque and of course the pianist Peter Donohoe.
Peter Donohoe
Born in Manchester, England, in 1953, He started playing the piano at an early age, showing a natural talent for the instrument. Donohoe went on to study at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester and later at the Paris Conservatoire. Since his success as joint winner of the 1982 International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow (becoming the first British pianist to do so), Peter Donohoe has gained international renown as one of the foremost pianists of our time, for his musicianship, stylistic versatility and commanding technique.
Donohoe’s career has been illustrious performing with some of the world’s most well known orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, St Petersburg Philharmonia, RTE National Symphony Orchestra, Belarusian State Symphony Orchestra, and City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He has undertaken a UK tour with the Russian State Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as giving concerts in many South American and European countries, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Russia, and USA.
Donohoe has worked with many of the world’s greatest conductors: Christoph Eschenbach, Neeme Jarvi, Lorin Maazel, Kurt Masur, Andrew Davis and Yevgeny Svetlanov. More recently he has appeared as soloist with the next generation of excellent conductors: Gustavo Dudamel, Robin Ticciati and Daniel Harding.
Peter Donohoe is an honorary doctor of music at seven UK universities, and was awarded a CBE for services to classical music in the 2010 New Year’s Honours List.
Rattle and Donohoe are two remarkable musicians who have made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Their collaboration at Buxton International Festival this year will no doubt delight our audiences with a performance to remember.
The event takes place on 18 July 2023, 3.00pm – 5.00pm in St John’s Church. Tickets are priced at £30 / Balcony £25.
Book now: buxtonfestival.co.uk/whats-on/sacha-rattle-and-peter-donohoe