Sarah Byrne and Annette Cleary present a recital of duos for bassoon and cello,

performed on Classical period instruments.

Programme

Clara Schumann: Ich stand in dunklen Träumen (arr. A. Cleary)

Francois Devienne: Bassoon Sonata Op.24, No. 5 in G minor

I. Allegro con espressione

II. Adagio

III. Rondeau (Allegro/ Moderato)

Clara Schumann: Liebeszauber (arr. A. Cleary)

W.A. Mozart: Sonata in B-flat for Bassoon and Cello K.292

I. Allegro

II. Andante

III. Rondo: Allegro

Clara Schumann: Mein Stern (arr. A. Cleary)

Irish bassoonist Sarah Byrne is a versatile performer on modern and historical instruments. A graduate of the Royal College of Music, London and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, she is currently a freelance player with ensembles in the UK, Ireland and abroad.

She has worked with London Symphony Orchestra, English National Opera, Wexford Festival Opera, and is a regular guest with RTÉ Concert Orchestra. Sarah is an awardee of the OAE Experience Scheme 2026-27 with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. Her recent freelance work as a historical performer includes engagements with The Hanover Band, Cambridge Handel Opera Company, and Meridian Sinfonia. In collaboration with the Mozarteum University Salzburg, she has performed at the Accademia Chigiana, Siena. She recently performed with Jeune Orchestre de l’Abbaye at the 2026 opening night of the prestigious Festival de Saintes, France. Upcoming engagements include working with Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at Brighton Early Music Festival and the Royal Festival Hall. 

Annette Cleary is an internationally recognised soloist and chamber musician. She has

performed as soloist with orchestras including Südwestrundfunk Orchester, National

Symphony Orchestra Ireland, and RTÉ Concert Orchestra. She has undertaken a South African tour and five tours of Japan, where she performed solo recitals and television broadcasts. As principal and co-principal cellist, she has worked with RTÉ CO, D’Oyly Carte Opera, London Symphony Orchestra, Irish Chamber Orchestra, Camerata Ireland, and Irish Baroque Orchestra. She has acted as jury member for international competitons including the Antonio Janigro International Cello Competiton in Croatia. She has been a member of various chamber ensembles including the Degani Trio, baroque/traditional ensemble Sonamus, duo with pianist Réamonn Keary, and the Irish Piano Trio. At present, Annette is Professor of Cello at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.