Tuesday 7 April 2015

Max Mausen - International Clarinettist

Born in Luxembourg - Max Mausen has always loved music, I have it on good authority he could whistle Benjamin Britten at age 6, he wanted to be a professional musician by the age of 15.... and so he began his journey to make that happen!  He started his musical training at the city's Conservatoire.  He then came to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2009, (and it was during his time there that Max worked with us briefly). 



Acclaimed as a 'sensitive' and 'imaginative' performer, clarinettist Max Mausen excels as both a soloist and an orchestral player. He was appointed Principal Clarinet of the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra in September 2014.  

Photograph © Ian Dingle
Max began a crowdfunding campaign back in April 2014 to fund his debut solo album - luckily Ian spotted it via facebook and made a contribution  - he reached his target in record time and his plan became a reality with the release of 'New Waves'  in December 2014.

He has performed with orchestras and ensembles including the Orchestre Philharmonique de Luxembourg, Philharmonia Orchestra, United Instruments of Lucilin, Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Orchestre de Chambre de Luxembourg.

Oh and he also played at both MAP weddings! 


His repertoire is wide and varied -  as well as his orchestra & solo performances Max finds time to play in a band called Sudden Junction a "musical allsorts extravaganza", who's recent take on Fat Boy Slim's 'Right Here Right Now' won them an award from the London Song Company! Have a listen here

It's always great to hear stories of creative fulfilment from talented friends who have helped us out along the way!  Hoping Max has a long and successful career ahead of him - we look forward to following his news!

Featured Artists - Lula Tobitt & Angel Ashcroft AKA 'A Common Thread'

A Common Thread - @CraftyCoalition came onto my radar as soon as they hit the Archway scene!  Lula and Angel moved into Bickerton House Archway Studios in January, they run regular workshops at their studio covering knitting, crochet and sewing skills  - It just looks like great fun! 

Their manifesto:  

"we are a common thread: coalition of craft and we are taking our love for craft to the masses. we are a craft school for adults answering to a growing interest and enthusiasm for learning domestic crafts, helping people to uncover and develop their creative potential whilst learning new skills and having fun in the process. 

we have an online shop providing ethically sourced, sustainable and artisan craft supplies whilst also showcasing work from independant makers. we believe that craft can change the world through craftivism and yarn bombing and at the same time make it a more beautiful place to be in.


we believe in looking after the world we inhabit - we only using biodegradable or recyclable packaging, recycled yarns, cooperatives and animal welfare are high priorities for us.  Craft is both personal and political and we believe that with creating and making comes, not only an opportunity to learn about yourself but also an opportunity to engage with others and the world around you, 


but most of all we just want you to enjoy it as much as we do."


who could resist.....tea & strawberry tart anyone?


We were delighted that 'A common thread' accepted our invitation to collaborate on a window display,,,,our spring 'allotment' window hopes to inspire creativity and the joy of textile art.......why not book up for one of A common Thread's workshops ? - learn new skills, meet lovely people, experiment, create & most importantly have fun!......

Lula & Angel are also taking a stand at the upcoming Selvedge Spring Fair in London 2015, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London  25 APRIL 2015.