Helen Blamey and Colin Blamey

Helen Blamey. Born in Lancaster, Helen began learning the clarinet at eight and was instantly hooked! She attended both the Junior RNCM and Chetham’s School of Music and completed her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music where she gained a First class Honours and PPRNCM.

Since graduating, she has combined her freelance performance work with a busy teaching schedule. Helen regularly performs with the BBC Philharmonic, Northern Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Concert Orchestra, Lancashire Sinfonietta and Sinfonia Viva! She is also a member of the Fell Clarinet Quartet with whom she worked for Live Music Now! for many years, giving educational workshops and concerts throughout the UK.

She has also been heavily involved in the education work of the Lancashire Sinfonietta and has worked on numerous projects aimed at children aged from mere months to teenagers!

Colin Blamey. Colin completed his musical studies at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999, leaving with a B. Mus (Hons), a Postgraduate Diploma and a Professional Performance Diploma (the college’s highest award).

He now works as a freelance musician, combining teaching and performance work. Currently on tour with Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Barnum, Colin is a sought-after bass clarinetist who has also played as guest principal with orchestras such as Northern Chamber Orchestra, Manchester Camerata, Manchester Concert Orchestra and Carl Rosa Opera. He is a member of the Fell Clarinet Quartet with whom he has worked for many years, giving recitals as well as delivering educational workshops and concerts to a huge range of audiences.

Colin is also very much involved in the educational programme of the Northern Chamber Orchestra and regularly works with them on both small and large-scale projects.