About Howarth
Howarth of London is a specialist woodwind instrument maker and retailer. Known all over the world as makers of the finest oboes, oboes d’amore and cors anglais, our instruments are made in our dedicated manufacturing workshops in Worthing, West Sussex.
We use high-tech CNC machinery to make precision components for our instruments which are then hand-assembled by highly experienced technicians into our beautiful instruments.
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We want to make it as easy as possible for you to hire an instrument. Our rental options allow you to have an instrument in a range of situations.
Long Term Rental
Hire an instrument while you discover about learning, without the up front cost of buying an instrument.
Short Term Rental
Hire an instrument just for a week or two in case of an emergency or for a special concert.
Cover for loss, theft and accidental damage.
Protect your instrument with Allianz. Allianz are the UK’s No. 1 musical instrument insurer, providing insurance for musicians since 1960. From beginners to internationally-renowned artists, Allianz understand musicians’ needs and lifestyles. Their insurance offers you a flexible policy allowing you to choose the cover you need.
Upcoming Events
John Harle’s Briggflatts
March 20th 2024 at 14:15 – 15:50
Estonian Kristiina Poska begins her second visit to the Hallé with Britten’s atmospheric Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Also returning is superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam, who’s been described by composer John Harle as a ‘young virtuoso with huge energy, a soaring sound, and an unforgettable presence.’
She plays his concerto Briggflatts, conceived for her artistry, the title referring to Basil Bunting’s poem steeped in Gilliam’s native Cumbria. Its finale, ‘RANT!’, is an exhilarating romp of toe-tapping Cumbrian folk-tunes guaranteed to bring the house down. As Poska has been called ‘One of the most distinctive and interesting Sibelius interpreters I’ve heard for some time’ (Gramophone), the prospect of her conducting the composer’s First Symphony is tantalising. Virile in spirit and imbued with melodic freshness, the work announced the arrival of one of the all-time great symphonists.
Click on the button below to purchase ticket.
John Harle’s Briggflatts
21/03/2024 7:30 pm
The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester, M2 3WS
John Harle’s Briggflatts
March 21st 2024 at 19:30 – 21:05
Estonian Kristiina Poska begins her second visit to the Hallé with Britten’s atmospheric Four Sea Interludes from Peter Grimes. Also returning is superstar saxophonist Jess Gillam, who’s been described by composer John Harle as a ‘young virtuoso with huge energy, a soaring sound, and an unforgettable presence.’
She plays his concerto Briggflatts, conceived for her artistry, the title referring to Basil Bunting’s poem steeped in Gilliam’s native Cumbria. Its finale, ‘RANT!’, is an exhilarating romp of toe-tapping Cumbrian folk-tunes guaranteed to bring the house down. As Poska has been called ‘One of the most distinctive and interesting Sibelius interpreters I’ve heard for some time’ (Gramophone), the prospect of her conducting the composer’s First Symphony is tantalising. Virile in spirit and imbued with melodic freshness, the work announced the arrival of one of the all-time great symphonists.
Click on the button below to purchase ticket.
Strand Chamber Music Series – Astral Saxophone Quartet
22/03/2024 6:00 pm
St Mary Le Strand Church, Strand, London, WC2R 1ES
Strand Chamber Music Series – Astral Saxophone Quartet
March 22nd 2024 at 18:00 – 19:00
Enjoy the ninth and final concert in this exceptional new series of dates of outstanding chamber music in the beautiful candlelit venue of St Mary le Strand. A unique opportunity to experience some of the UK’s leading chamber music artists, the series will cover a broad spectrum of repertoire from ensemble works by Beethoven, Ravel and Debussy to exquisite early vocal works by John Mundy, John Dowland and William Byrd along with 20th Century works for Saxophone quartet. St Mary le Strand is a stunning and intimate venue, the perfect setting for this musical experience. There are also many bars and restaurants nearby to complete your evening.
This concert features the exceptional talents of the Astral Saxophone Quartet who comprise of Leopoldo Mugnai, Oliver Lee, Annabella Chenevix Trench and Ethan Townsend.
Programme
Quartet No. 1, Op. 10 (Arr. Vincent David) – Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
I. Animé et très décidé
II. Assez vif et bien rhythmé
III. Andantino doucement expressif
IV. Très modéré
Three Improvisations – Phil Woods (1931-2015)
Quatour pour saxophones – Alfred Desenclos (1912-1971)
I. Allegro non molto
II. Andante
III. Poco largo ma risoluto
The Astral Quartet is a London-based saxophone quartet studying at the Royal College of Music. Formed in 2020, the ensemble is passionate about performing classical, jazz, and contemporary music, from Bach to Piazzolla, while also commissioning young, upcoming composers. The group comprises of third-year undergraduate students studying with Professor Kyle Horch and receives guidance and masterclasses from world-renowned educators, including Huw Wiggin, Simon Channing, Marie Lloyd, Sarah Burnett, and Jonathan Radford. The Astral Quartet won first prize in the Royal College of Music Woodwind Chamber Competition (2022) and was presented the Boconnoc Music Award, which included a five-day residency at the estate in Cornwall. The Quartet is also privileged to do musical outreach at the Doubletrees School for children with special needs and the Oatleigh care home. They have also performed at St Gabriel’s Pimlico, St James’s Piccadilly, the Chelsea Theatre and the Elgar Room in the Royal Albert Hall.