Katherine Lacy
Principal Clarinet
Katherine Lacy grew up in Wrexham and studied at Chetham’s School of Music followed by the Royal Academy of Music.
At the RAM she won the prestigious Buffet Crampon Clarinet Prize in her first year and from her third year onwards combined her studies with regular freelance work with orchestras including the Philharmonia, London Sinfonietta and London Symphony Orchestra.
Immediately after finishing her studies in 2004 she was appointed Principal Bass Clarinet with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, where she spent eight very happy years.
In 2009 she gave the world premiere of “Spinning and Weaving” for solo bass clarinet and ensemble with the RLPO’s Ensemble 10/10 at the Wigmore Hall and throughout her time in Liverpool, Katherine enjoyed many opportunities to play chamber music as well as playing principal clarinet with the orchestra regularly, including at the BBC Proms and for a tour to China. She also gave performances of Weber’s Concertino and Finzi’s Five Bagatelles with the orchestra as soloist when they appeared in her hometown, Wrexham.
In 2013 Katherine joined the BBC Symphony Orchestra as Bass Clarinet and two years later was appointed Principal Clarinet with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Since then Katherine has enjoyed many career highlights, particularly with the RPO’s former principal conductor Charles Dutoit, including the complete Stravinsky ballets at the Montreux Festival, The Trojans by Berlioz in Geneva and countless performances with legendary pianist Martha Argerich.
In 2018 Katherine released her debut solo recording with the RPO of Mozart’s Concerto and Quintet to critical acclaim. This followed many performances of the Mozart Concerto with the RPO across the country during 2016/2017.
Over the years Katherine has enjoyed freelance playing with most UK orchestras, including playing bass clarinet with the John Wilson Orchestra for many of his proms and a tour to LA, bass clarinet with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and guest principal with the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, the Halle, City of Birmingham Orchestra, Royal Northern Sinfonia and BBC National Orchestra of Wales to name but a few.
Katherine enjoys combining her orchestral playing with a teaching position at the Royal Northern College of Music, as well as juggling family life with her husband Ian, a busy freelance violinist.
Main Photo credit Black Swan
Katherine’s chair is generously supported by Nic Hailey. If you would like to find out more about how you can support one of our musicians, please contact our Head of Philanthropy, Ruth Ellul, by emailing her here.
