Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson – A Rising Star Of The Clarinet

A graduate of both the Royal College of Music and the Juilliard School, Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson is a multi-instrumentalist who, as well as being a talented clarinettist, can also play the flute, oboe and piano. He is performing as part of the Harrogate International Sunday Series on March 1, when he will be joined by award-winning pianist Kumi Matsuo. Together they will perform a selection of lyrical sonatas and colourful character pieces for clarinet and piano – ranging from Brahms and Schumann to Debussy and D’Rivera. Here, Mebrakh talks about his career and his passion for performing…

Who (or what) inspired you to first start performing? (other artists, a particular composer or maybe someone close to you)

My family for their unwavering support and belief in me, and Chi-chi Nwanoku and Chineke! Chamber Ensemble. I think I would have gone on to be a clinical psychologist otherwise.

What have been your music career highlights so far?

Making my US solo debut with Springfield Symphony Orchestra and conductor Damien Sneed, and performing with Anthony McGill at the Barclays Centre Stadium in Brooklyn. Also, touring with Chineke! Chamber Ensemble to Australia.

What advice would you give upcoming artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?

There’s something to be learned from everyone and everything around you. You just need to be open and seek to be inspired by them all. Strive to be the best that you can be, for yourself.

What do you hope the audience in Harrogate takes away from your performance?

I hope the audience in Harrogate leaves the hall having discovered new works from a variety of people, places and eras, and that the music resonates as deeply with them as it does with me. I hope they feel inspired to take up an instrument and just play, or to further a skill they may have once honed, in the pursuit of self-fulfilment and simply for the joy of it. I believe that every human is an artist.

Describe your programme in 3 words.

Rooted. Curious. Meaning.

Do you have any pre-concert rituals?

Practice, practice, practice!

What do you most enjoy about performing live and why is it still important in our digital age?

I most enjoy the human connection. The act of people from different walks of life, with different lived experiences, coming together to share an artistic moment is both an honour and a privilege. Having a live audience actively inspires me. For me, they are the most essential presence in giving meaning to sound.

If you could collaborate with any other artist, throughout time, who would it be and why?

Wynton Marsalis and Errollyn Wallen. I am deeply drawn to the authenticity and freedom of their works, and to the way they draw on a rich breadth of experiences, emotions and traditions to create vivid art that feels both magical and profoundly true.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

An album by Australian jazz/funk band Hiatus Kaiyote called Love Heart Cheat Code.



Mebrakh Haughton-Johnson and Kumi Matsuo | Clarinet & Piano| Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate | Sunday, 1st March, 11am. Book online at harrogateinternationalfestivals.com or call the box office on 01423 562 303.