Namaste Clarinet Quartet
 

Cat. No: MPSCD005

The Namaste Clarinet Quartet began in 1991 to fill the need of proposing and popularising unusual and rarely heard programmes. Indeed, the most important part of the ensemble's work aims at the realisation, in collaboration with emerging contemporary composers, of projects designed to expand further than the small circle of "cultural concerts". This quartet chose its name after an Indian greeting which means "I honour in you the place where paradise lies, if you are in me and I am in you, we will be united", indicating thus the sense of unity - not only understanding and harmony - that should characterise any chamber orchestra.

It is a message of humility, of love, and of joy. It is enthusiasm for giving special sensations, inherent in our minds, through music. It is the wish that the listener be with us and in us, and that the humility, the love, and the joy be intended not only for music, but for all the moments of our lives. The ensemble's programmes range from classical to contemporary music, with openings in jazz and popular music, using most of the instruments of the clarinet family and extending the group with singing, piano, harp, percussion and accordion.

Many composers have written for this quartet, which can boast first performances, taking part in national and international festivals. It has been successful in many competitions, with first prizes at the following : "Riviera del Conero International Prize", Portonovo, 1993; "Citta di Barletta National Prize", Contemporary Music Section, 1993; "Young Concert Musicians' Selection Prize", Macerata Feltria,1991; also a second prize at the "A.Ponchielli" contest in Cremona in 1992, and a third prize at the "European Contest" in Moncalieri in 1991.

The members of Namaste have also distinguished themselves in various national and international contests, in particular Guido Arbonelli, who won first prize at the Gaudeamus contest in Rotterdam, March 1995. The group is responsible for the Clarinet Quartet section at the Information Museum in Senigallia, involved with repertoire research. This museum is about to become a world-wide interest pole for musicians, composers, and lovers of music.