Author: Ben Clapton

I'm a violinist, teacher, composer and arranger from Ellenbrook, Western Australia. I love my family, coffee, AFL and running.

MetSO Young Artists Gala

by Ben Clapton, posted in Performances

The Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (MetSO) is holding their Young Artists Gala concert at Government House Ballroom on Sunday February 26. This special event will feature the talented MetSO Young Artists in solo performances, the MetSO Wind ensemble performing Strauss’ Serenade in E flat Major, Op. 7, and the world premiere of the “Karrinyup Fanfare” composed by MetSO Concertmaster Ben Clapton.

The concert showcases the talents of the MetSO Young Artists who have performed with the orchestra in 2022 and will now take the spotlight by themselves. The orchestra will also be announcing their new MetSO Young Artists, as well as celebrating new life memberships awarded by the orchestra’s patron, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM, 34th Governor of Western Australia.

In addition, the MetSO Winds will perform the Serenade in E Flat Major, Op. 7 by Richard Strauss, one of the most celebrated composers of the romantic era. The ensemble, made up of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns and tuba will bring to life the rich, complex textures and harmonies of Strauss’ music.

The concert will open with the world premiere of the Karrinyup Fanfare, a new composition by MetSO Concertmaster Ben Clapton. This exciting new work inspired by the orchestra’s history and future will be an exciting way to start an afternoon that celebrates local talent.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear the exceptional musicians of the MetSO in concert at the Government House Ballroom. Tickets are limited, so act now to experience the beauty and power of live classical music.

Head to the MetSO Website for ticketing and more details.

MetSO Young Artists Gala
February 26, 3pm
Government House Ballroom, Perth

Karrinyup Fanfare

by Ben Clapton, posted in Compositions
shallow focus photo of kangaroo
Photo by Ethan Brooke on Pexels.com

2022 was a year that sparked inspiration for me. I am not talking about just one spark either, but a series that beautifully led me to the creation of my piece. After seeing the 2022 MetSO program it was evident that it lightly using the Brass players, and I knew they were feeling a bit underutilised. Which sparked the first idea in my mind to write a piece that would take full advantage of their skills, and heavily use brass instruments. The program coincided with the 45th Anniversay of the Orchestra which started it life as the Karrinyup Symphony Orchestra. Rekindling the orchestra’s relationship with the City of Stirling and returning to the City of Stirling as a rehearsal venue in 2023, was another spark of inspiration which led me towards the piece’s naming… the ‘Karrinyup Fanfare’. The last spark of inspiration was a query inside my mind. The opening of the piece contrasts two somewhat conflicting meanings of the word Karrinyup. During an Aboriginal Studies unit, I discovered that Karrinyup is a Noongar word that translates to “the place where there are spiders”. However, this differs from the City of Stirling official meaning of the name Karrinyup on the website. It states the word means “the place where Kangaroos drink”, possibly because it sounds much more pleasant and doesn’t inspire the fear that spiders often do. It was this contrary interpretation of the word ‘Karrinyup’ which provided the final spark of inspiration I needed for this composition. You see, when you listen to the opening, the theme jumps up and down through the horns, and represents the Kangaroo – Yongka. Whilst as the fanfare continues, you will notice the second theme – the crawling strings represent the spider – Kar. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did creating it. May it, and this new year, spark inspiration for you.

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Abide with Me

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements, Videos

Experience the beautiful and timeless hymn “Abide with Me” like never before with our string quartet arrangement. Composed by the English organist and composer Henry Francis Lyte in 1847, this hymn has been beloved by generations for its poignant lyrics and soaring melody. This arrangement is not suitable for singing, but it is perfect for adding a sense of reflection and beauty to any church service as background music. Arranger Ben Clapton has brought a fresh and dynamic interpretation to this classic hymn, ensuring that it will be a highlight of any service. Whether you are looking for music to accompany a reflective church service, funeral, or other special occasion, our “Abide with Me” string quartet arrangement is sure to add an extra layer of meaning and emotion to your event. With its rich harmonies and soaring melodies, this arrangement is sure to be a hit with both musicians and music lovers alike. So why wait? Add this beautiful piece to your service today and bring a touch of timeless beauty to your next event.

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Silent Night

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements

This is a string quintet arrangement of the beloved holiday classic, “Silent Night.” This arrangement features violin 1, violin 2, viola, cello, and double bass, and is perfect for use in worship settings. The included lead sheet allows for easy integration into a worship band setting. Our arrangement captures the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the original song, while adding a lush and full sound through the use of the full string quintet. The piece is suitable for intermediate to advanced musicians, and is sure to be a beautiful and meaningful addition to any holiday service. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to add this stunning arrangement to your holiday repertoire. Purchase “Silent Night (String Quintet)” today!

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I Will Remember You

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements

A beautiful song from Ed Sheeran’s “=” album, this song explores his memories and feelings after hearing the news of the death of a loved one, and being strong for the people around him who need a shoulder to cry on. I Will Remember You is an upbeat and meaningful song that explores grief in a positive way. This arrangement is a lead sheet, containing the melody and lyrics, and Chords (including Guitar capo chords on the first fret).

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I Ain’t Worried (String Orchestra)

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements, Videos

This upbeat hit by Onerepublic features in the film Top Gear: Maverick. Arranged here for String Orchestra (with optional drums), it’s filled with driving melodies that perfectly capture a sun-filled summer day. The first violin part heads into fifth position, but all other upper string parts can comfortably be played in first position. There is an optional 3rd violin part which doubles parts of the 2nd violin and viola parts, and fills out parts of the harmonies at times.

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I Ain’t Worried

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements

A lead sheet for OneRepublic’s single ‘I Ain’t Worried” from the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ soundtrack. Melody line, chords and lyrics included in a short, easy to follow format that allows you to create your own performance. ‘I Ain’t Worried’ is a “pop-fuelled, upbeat number driven by cheery whistling and buoyant percussion” (NME).

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Buy Dirt (Voice and Piano)

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements

Jordan Davis’ fantastic track, Buy Dirt was released in July 2021. Davis co-wrote this song with his brother Jacob, as well as brothers Josh and Matt Jenkins.
Davis was reflecting on his friendship with Luke Bryan, and how he was a great dad, husband and friend. This song draws on that, creating a song that is all about faith, family, friends and really finding your happiness.
Buy Dirt peaked at number 4 in the US Hot Country Songs, and number 6 in the Canada Country charts.

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Head & Heart – Joel Corry ft. MNEK

by Ben Clapton, posted in Arrangements, Videos

British DJ and producer Joel Corry produced an awesome hit with “Head and Heart”. Reaching number 1 in the UK, it was both Corry and vocalist MNEK’s first chart topper.

With such a catchy vocal hook, I thought this would work really well as a choral arrangement. However, some of the vocal flourishes went a bit high in the original key, so I included an alternate arrangement in C minor as opposed to F minor. The lower key necessitated some changes in the vocal lines, but it has meant a reduced vocal range that lends itself to school choirs.

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