About the owner
Hugh Carslaw’s career in the music industry encompasses performing as a professional musician over several decades with many of the UK’s leading orchestra’s – including 25 years as co-principal trumpet of the Ulster Orchestra in Belfast. His diverse musical experience covers concerto performances as far afield as Hong Kong, Symphony Orchestras, London West End Shows, Opera, Film, Jazz, Latin and Swing. As a teacher he has taken many students to Diploma /Degree level and as an orchestral player was heavily involved with education and music projects in schools.
As a promoter and musical contractor Hugh has provided a wide range of services, including small groups such as string quartets, church processional fanfares & voluntaries, jazz and latin combos for weddings, private functions, corporate events etc. His clients include British and American Ambassadors to Ireland such as a function at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Dublin as a part of celebrations for the 2007 Ryder Cup. The attendees included President George W Bush.
On the other side of the music provision spectrum, he has acted as a musical contractor for the BBC for many TV and radio productions including live TV shows featuring George Benson, Songs of Praise and for the opening concert for the UK City of Culture. He has promoted and organised large Open Air orchestral and Big Band concerts
Key highlights include:
- Arranging the musicians for the near state funeral of footballer George Best
- Arranging and performing music for President Bill Clinton on his two visits to Northern Ireland
- Provision of an open air “Space Spectacular” orchestral concert for an audience of 22,000 for Lisburn Borough Council as part of their Millennium celebrations
- Co-ordinating a special concert for HM the Queen and Marry McAleese, President of Ireland on the Queen’s historic visit to Ireland in 2011
He is co-founder with Tchaikovsky Piano Competition Gold Medalist Barry Douglas of the All Island Chamber Orchestra Camerata Ireland in 1999 and was its CEO up until 2012. He was responsible for the orchestra’s international touring schedule over 4 continents along with local concert provision and its annual music festival. He played a key role in securing the joint Patronage for the orchestra of HM The Queen and Mary McAleese, the President of Ireland.
More recently Hugh was Managing Director of the Grammy Award winning Apollo’s Fire, The Cleveland Baroque Orchestra, seeing them perform at many major venues and festivals including the BBC Proms, the Tanglewood and Ravinia and music festivals and Carnegie Hall.
Hugh has never lost his love for the trumpet and continues to perform. He formed Unique Algarve Jazz in 2018 with American Bass player Rick Steffens and pianists, Phil Wright and Duncan Kinnel.
His wife Noeleen is a professional violinist, who along with her orchestral career, has performed for many major artists including George Benson, Cliff Richard, Andrea Bocelli and Rod Stewart.
