Laurel Saunders

Laurel Saunders is a budding young clarinettist from Wiltshire, currently studying at the Royal Northern College of Music based in Manchester.

Starting out with tutelage of Clarinettist, Charles Healey, former teacher of Tim Redpath, Laurel joined the West of England Youth Orchestra, formerly named Wiltshire and Swindon Youth Orchestra, where she played under the direction of Conductor and Presenter, Timothy Redmond. During her time within WEYO, Laurel performed at triannual sell-out concerts that included world renowned soloists such as violinist Matthew Trusler, Pianists Joanna Macgregor and Tom Poster as well as collaborating with composers to premiere works, including the genius of Jonathon Dove and Jeff Moore.

 Inspired by the wholly unique and magical experience that is orchestral playing, Laurel decided to pursue her love of music through auditioning for the RNCM. She has since studied with acclaimed clarinettists Nicholas Cox and Victoria Soames-Samek; including classes from Gabor Varga and Matthew Hunt.

 She is looking forward to collaborations with her newly created partnerships in chamber music such as the SKEW clarinet quartet, The Eos Duo and the Monterosa trio, among others. Not only does Laurel have ambitions to perform chamber music and work within opera but she also has a passion for Folk and Jazz. Upon discovering her love for folk, amplified by attending monthly Ceilidhs held in London's Cecil Sharp House, Laurel and folk harpist Eleanor Prout formed 'the Aspen' band. Together they envision performing their own reworking of traditional music through using popular influences and multi-instrumental combinations. Currently Laurel is developing her confidence in improvising over jazz standards and singing whenever is possible!

Alongside her music, Laurel also spends her time as a visual artist. She does commissioned paintings and drawings, life sketches and likes to contrast these by making humorous and political collages. Enjoying cooking and experimenting with dishes is just another facet to her life, occasionally posting a step by step video for audiences to cook along to on Youtube.

Laurel aspires to share music with everyone, no exceptions. In presenting each and every person with the opportunity to feel something, through the medium of her artistry and expression of life.