Reginald Kell

British Clarinet Virtuoso

British clarinettist, conductor and teacher. He was noted as a soloist and chamber music player. Born 8 June 1906 in York, England – Died 5 August 1981 in Frankfort, Kentucky, USA. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music. While still a student he was engaged as principal clarinettist of the orchestra of the Royal Philharmonic Society. After graduation, he was Sir Thomas Beecham's choice as first clarinet for The London Philharmonic Orchestra when the orchestra was formed in 1932. He left the LPO in 1936. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music between 1935 and 1939. During the Second World War Kell was principal clarinettist of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. When Walter Legge founded the Philharmonia Orchestra in 1945 Kell became its principal clarinettist. The following year Sir Thomas Beecham founded The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and, as the Philharmonia in its early days played few concerts, working mostly in the recording studio, Kell was able to serve as principal in both orchestras. In 1948 he gave up both positions and moved to the US making a concert and recording career. From 1951 to 1957 he was trustee and professor at the Aspen Music School. He returned to England in 1958. He retired from playing in his early fifties and returned to the US in 1959, where he was director of Boosey & Hawkes's band instrument division from 1959 to 1966. He retired in 1966. Brother of the classical clarinettist Reginald Alwyn Kell, Principal Clarinet with The London Symphony Orchestra (1937-1939).