On Thursday 11th June, Michael Collins performed the UK premiere of Sally Beamish’s Bassett Clarinet Concerto – ‘Izakhi’. Michael was soloist/director of the Academy of St Martins in the Fields for the performance.
Review:
Paul Conway, Seen and Heard International
“Ably fulfilling the roles of soloist and director, Collins had the full measure of IZAKHI. His final, sustained note brought a superbly controlled diminuendo, ensuring the piece faded imperceptibly into silence, a spellbinding stroke that concluded a performance of rare insight and responsiveness that took full advantage of the extended expressive range afforded by the solo instrument.”
“Michael Collins brought a wistful, supplicatory quality to his wide-ranging solo lines, making this movement an affecting span of stillness and devotion.”
Read the full review here:
seenandheard-international.com/2026/06/asmfs-joyful-celebration-of-the-70th-birthday-of-sally-beamish
Hear the performance broadcast on BBC Radio 3 on 30th June:
📸 – Benjamin Ealovega