FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I. General Information
What is the Berginald Rash website about?
The website serves as the official online platform for Berginald Rash, an acclaimed American-Irish clarinetist, historical clarinet practitioner, TEDx speaker, advocate, and educator, providing details on his performances, recordings, instruments, and advocacy work.
Where is Berginald Rash based?
He is based in Dublin, Ireland.
What are Berginald Rash's main artistic roles?
He is primarily known as an international performing clarinetist and a specialist in Historically Informed Performance (HIP). He is also a skilled pedagogue, a TEDx speaker, and a dedicated advocate and consultant in the fields of justice, equality/equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion (JEDAI) within arts and culture.
What are some of Berginald Rash's major affiliations or accomplishments?
He is a Devon & Burgani Artist on the Fluency series, an alumnus of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, and has performed with leading orchestras, including the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, and the Ulster Orchestra. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Crash Ensemble and Chamber Music Scotland.
II. Performances and Schedule (Calendar)
Where can I find Berginald Rash’s current and upcoming performance dates?
All current and future performance details, including venues, times, and ticket information, are listed on the Calendar page of the website.
What time format is used for events on the Calendar page?
Event times are listed using the 24-hour clock format, alongside the standard 12-hour format for clarity (e.g., 8:00 PM is displayed as 20:00).
What is the "From Antiquity to Modernity" series?
"From Antiquity to Modernity" is a chamber music series curated by Berginald Rash at the National Concert Hall, designed to juxtapose canonical classical works with pieces by modern, recently reappraised, and celebrated composers.
Does Berginald Rash perform with ensembles other than as a soloist?
Yes. He frequently collaborates in chamber settings, notably as part of the Dathanna duo (with harpist Fiona Gryson) and the Rash-Kang Duo (with pianist HyeSoo Kang). He also performs orchestral works, including historical repertoire with ensembles like the Irish Baroque Orchestra.
How can I book Berginald Rash for a performance, lecture, or masterclass?
Please use the Contact page on the website to send an enquiry regarding bookings, teaching, or speaking opportunities.
III. Recordings (Discography)
What is Berginald Rash's debut album?
His debut album is Dathanna: Hues and Shades, recorded as part of the duo Dathanna with harpist Fiona Gryson.
What kind of music does the Dathanna: Hues and Shades album feature?
The album features late romantic and fin-de-siècle character pieces, offering a unique selection of chamber music works for clarinet and harp.
Has Berginald Rash featured on any other commercial recordings?
Yes. He has performed on several recordings with the Chineke! Orchestra, featured in works by composers such as Dvorak, Sibelius, Rachmaninov, and Gershwin, which are all listed in the Discography catalogue.
Where can I purchase his recordings?
Details and links to purchase his albums and recordings are provided on the Discography page.
IV. Instruments and Practice (Clarinets)
What types of clarinets does Berginald Rash play?
He plays both modern clarinets and historical clarinets. His modern instruments are part of the Devon & Burgani 'Fluency' series (B-flat and A clarinets).
What historical clarinets are featured on the website?
He is building a collection of historical instruments, including 5-key B-flat and A Lotz copies, made of boxwood by Soren Green, which are pitched at A430.
Why does he use both historical and modern instruments?
His use of historical instruments is central to his expansion into Historically Informed Performance (HIP), allowing him to deepen his understanding of the instruments and their historical context when performing period repertoire.
What mouthpieces and ligatures does he use?
For his modern Devon & Burgani clarinets, he uses a Vandoren B40 mouthpiece with a Vandoren leather ligature. For the historical Lotz copies, he uses a 3D-printed mouthpiece made by Soren Green.
V. Advocacy, News, and Media
What is Berginald Rash's focus in his advocacy work?
He advocates and consults in the areas of Justice, Equality/Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (JEDAI) in arts and culture, informed by lived experience and critical research.
Which organisations has he consulted with on JEDAI matters?
He has worked with organisations such as the Irish Baroque Orchestra and the Contemporary Music Centre Ireland (CMC), and has been a speaker for groups like the Sphinx Organization.
Where can I read news and updates about his career?
The News page features the latest announcements regarding awards, projects, new roles, and significant professional developments.
Where can I find press materials, reviews, and recordings of his media appearances?
The Media page serves as a repository for press quotes, articles, recorded broadcasts (such as his docu-series "The American Clarinet" on BBC Radio 3), and video clips.