Chris Allen
Lives in Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Chris Allen was born in Gorleston-on-sea, Norfolk, England in 1954. He studied clarinet at the Royal College of Music (1972-75) and worked as a woodwind teacher in Bedfordshire from 1979 to 2008; he still devotes time to composition, arranging and music-copying. An experienced clarinettist, he continues playing in selected orchestral activities, including the occasional solo (concerto) appearence. He has been a prolific user of Sibelius for several years; Sibelius has undoubtedly enhanced his activities as a composer and made more possible a number of publications - many such new pieces appear on sibeliusmusic.com. He continues to work on a variety of projects - big and small - including competition pieces and a 2 act ballet 'Christmas at the Rose and Crown". His hobbies include cooking, astronomy and model railways and he recently took up the piano-accordion (which he plays rather poorly!); his main hobby is painting, which he hopes to devote more time to in retirement. He does enjoy a good pint of beer (Adnams and Guinness especially) as well as an occasional pipe or, more recently, good quality Havana cigars. He lives near Milton Keynes with his wife, with whome he enjoys numerous concert and 'bistro' visits to London's Barbican Centre. |
