Performer and Teacher

Barnaby is Principal Clarinet of the English National Opera Orchestra, having previously held the same position with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Christoph von Dohnányi and Esa-Pekka Salonen. He has played guest principal with orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. On original instruments, he has performed with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Hanover Band, English Concert, and the Academy of Ancient Music, in the orchestra and as a chamber musician and soloist.

He studied at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and later as a Fulbright Scholar at The Juilliard School in New York City.

An experienced chamber musician, Barnaby has collaborated with composers and ensembles including Thomas Adès, the Belcea Quartet, the London Sinfonietta, Graham Fitkin, London Conchord Ensemble, the Tippett Quartet, Soloists of the Philharmonia Orchestra and Zanfonia Trio. In the studio, his soundtrack credits include The Theory of Everything, Wicked Little Letters, Mission: Impossible, and the Knives Out trilogy.

A committed educator, Barnaby is Professor of Clarinet at the Royal College of Music. He has previously taught at the Royal Northern College of Music, the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, and the Royal Welsh College. Barnaby is a guest examiner and conductor at the Royal Academy of Music, has coached musicians in the National Youth Orchestra, and judged the BBC Young Musician competition.

Formerly Head of Music Engagement at Queen Mary University of London, he has given masterclasses at all of the UK’s conservatoires, as well as internationally in Switzerland, Singapore, Australia, and Iceland.

Barnaby is a Yamaha Artist and holds an MSc in Performance Science with distinction from the Royal College of Music.