Local musician Kirsten Ahnell was recently invited to play for the International Clarinet Association’s ClarinetFest in Reno, Nevada. She and her pianist Sean Raley, another local musician, got the special opportunity to play a tribute to their former teacher Ted Johnson.
Ahnell is a professor of clarinet at Kentucky Wesleyan College and the founder/organizer of the local series of ‘Brown Bag Lunch Concerts.’ She was also the principal clarinet for 30 years with Owensboro Symphony. Raley is an organist/pianist/choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Church.
ClarinetFest was attended by 2,000 clarinetists from all over the world. One of the first events was Johnson’s tribute recital.
Johnson, longtime clarinetist with the Cleveland Orchestra, is now 92 and lives in Cleveland.
“We talk frequently and his continued passion for music and drive for excellence inspires me daily,” said Ahnell, who visited Johnson in March.
Ahnell and Raley opened the recital with an arrangement of Carnival of Venice Theme and Variations, which was arranged by Ahnell’s father, Emil, for Eb clarinet and piano.
A review of the performance said Ahnell “showcased impressive control over her instrument with a remarkable ability to play in any dynamic and style at any range. Through the leaps and jumps throughout the piece, Ahnell was able give a truly show-stopping performance, making this classic feel new again.”
