Born in Altrincham, Geoffrey began to play the clarinet at the age of eleven. He studied in London for several years with the well known clarinettist Thea King and gained a clarinet performer’s diploma at the age of eighteen. As a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain, he performed in many concert halls in England, toured Poland and Switzerland and took part in several televised performances.
Geoffrey gained an Honours degree in Mathematics at Manchester University and whilst there he gave first performances of solo clarinet works by Hans Gal and Joachim Stutschewsky in addition to numerous other concerts.
He has recently (January 2022) stepped down from playing principal clarinet at Stockport Symphony Orchestra, a role he held since its inception in 1975. He also plays regularly as principal clarinet with both Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra and Cheshire Sinfonia. He has also appeared many times as soloist with these and other orchestras performing clarinet concertos by Mozart, Weber, Krommer, Finzi and Spohr. Geoffrey has also played in performances of Richard Strauss’ Duet Concertino for clarinet and bassoon and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. He is a member of several chamber music ensembles and has taken part in many concerts in the North West of England and beyond. Geoffrey has played in several recordings with Victorian Opera working with conductors Richard Bonynge and Ronald Corp.
Outside music Geoffrey spent his working life in the teaching profession. He held positions at Bramhall High School as Head of Mathematics for 22 years and after reorganisation, at Cheadle and Marple College as Head of Mathematics and Senior Tutor. He enjoys walking, playing with his four grandchildren and has always been keenly interested in railways.
Geoffrey gained an Honours degree in Mathematics at Manchester University and whilst there he gave first performances of solo clarinet works by Hans Gal and Joachim Stutschewsky in addition to numerous other concerts.
He has recently (January 2022) stepped down from playing principal clarinet at Stockport Symphony Orchestra, a role he held since its inception in 1975. He also plays regularly as principal clarinet with both Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra and Cheshire Sinfonia. He has also appeared many times as soloist with these and other orchestras performing clarinet concertos by Mozart, Weber, Krommer, Finzi and Spohr. Geoffrey has also played in performances of Richard Strauss’ Duet Concertino for clarinet and bassoon and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. He is a member of several chamber music ensembles and has taken part in many concerts in the North West of England and beyond. Geoffrey has played in several recordings with Victorian Opera working with conductors Richard Bonynge and Ronald Corp.
Outside music Geoffrey spent his working life in the teaching profession. He held positions at Bramhall High School as Head of Mathematics for 22 years and after reorganisation, at Cheadle and Marple College as Head of Mathematics and Senior Tutor. He enjoys walking, playing with his four grandchildren and has always been keenly interested in railways.