From playing the Penny Whistle to seasoned Flautist: Spotlight with Gareth Mclearnon

From his early days as a budding musician to his rise as a globally acclaimed flautist, Gareth Mclearnon’s story is testament to the transformative power of music. Discover more about the man who has carved a niche for himself in the realm of classical and contemporary music, leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of those who have had the privilege of hearing his enchanting melodies.

How old were you when you learnt to play your instrument(s)?

I started playing penny whistle first, when I was about 8 years old. There was one lying around the house, and I picked it up and worked it out. Within a few weeks I had picked up the traditional Irish piece “The Belfast Hornpipe” from a James Galway record belonging to my dad, learning it by ear. I have since played that piece on concert stages around the world, and indeed, coming full circle somewhat, Sir James Galway played an arrangement of this piece that I made for him on Network TV in the US. The flute is “just a quick hop” from the penny whistle – so I took to it like a duck to water aged 10!

What do you love about your instrument(s)?

I love that the flute has a voice in pretty much every culture all around the world. Every culture has a drum, and every culture has a flute. So be it the Bansuri from India, the Dizi from China, the Pifano of Brazil, the Nay of Arabia, etc – there is the possibility to learn from and adopt styles, tone colours and creative ideas from all around the world – all through the flute.

Is there a story about how you acquired your instrument(s)?

My most recent instruments were made for me. I feel privileged to be in the position to know each and every person who had a hand in creating my flutes. My most recent (Haynes Flute #54322) is a celebration of Ireland and is engraved with the name “Claimbh Solais” (Sword of Light in Gaelic) and is covered in Celtic knot work engraving and even has an emerald in the crown. It’s a true one-of-a-kind work of art and is the most precious object I own in the world.

Have you ever lost your instrument(s)?

All my instruments, as well as being insured with Lark Music, are also fitted with Apple AirTags in their cases so they can be tracked worldwide, as the very idea of them going missing makes my stomach drop. But when I was a kid, I accidentally left my flute on the school bus. Luckily I knew the route of the bus, and ran down an intermediary street to cut it off, jump on, and retrieve it! I still have that flute to this day – maybe 30 years later!

Do you have a favourite venue that you have performed at?

The O2 Arena and the Royal Albert Hall are special places – the first due to the sheer size, and the second due to the history and grandeur. But my favourite hall that I’ve played in has got to be the Wigmore Hall in London. It has the history and the pedigree, of course. The best of the best has played there for over a hundred years, but it is the acoustics that is simply one-of-a-kind remarkable; crystal clear and effortless. I vividly remember the first time walking out onto the stage, and clearly hearing my footsteps reverberating off the back wall. Amazing.

How did Covid-19 impact you? Were there any positive opportunities or any particular difficulties you faced?

It was tough, as everything got cancelled and, like many others, I fell outside of the government’s arbitrary assistance criteria – so was left high and dry. But I also learned how to record from home and got set up with a super home studio. Learning to use Logic software and produce professional quality audio has been utterly life-changing to my musical existence. I’m not sure if I ever would have got around to learning how to use it were it not for lockdown, so I guess I’m somewhat thankful for that!

Do you remember the first album you bought? What made you choose it?

I honestly rarely listen to music. I find it too distracting. If it’s great, it’s all consuming and I can’t really think or do anything else. If it’s terrible, it’s close to unbearable, and if it’s mediocre, why bother? Just switch it off. I run or swim just about every day – and while I’m doing that I listen to podcasts and audiobooks. Even when there is occasionally music in these – it can put me off my stride or my stroke!

Has anyone made a noise complaint about your playing?

Yes! When I first moved to Strasbourg, I moved into a city centre apartment. It was a large early 20th century building with high ceilings, lots of light, parquet flooring – beautiful. I took great pleasure in playing and enjoying the beautiful acoustic, and mostly kept to reasonable hours. However, my neighbour from upstairs was bothered by it and came down to ask me to stop playing at 9.30pm. I said that of course I would oblige, but perhaps if she and her husband could perhaps stop shouting at their children from 5.30am – it would also be appreciated! It’s give and take I guess….!

Do you come from a musical family?

Not especially, though my younger brother plays cello semi-professionally in Northern Ireland. I remember the moment when we spoke about the possibility of him pursuing a full-time musical career. I asked him the question “What would you do if something happened tomorrow that meant you couldn’t play cello anymore?”. He immediately answered: “electronic engineering”. I replied: “Go do that. If you don’t break out into a cold sweat at the THOUGHT of this – then just keep playing at a high level, but don’t rely on it for paying your mortgage. There’s nothing necessary noble about earning money off doing the thing you love.” Ten years on, he’s doing very well in his electronics field, and still loving playing the cello!

Want to find out more about Gareth or connect?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garethmclearnonflute

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garethmclearnon

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/garethmclearnon