Colin Courtney (pictured) was a clarinetist that regularly performed in the UK’s top orchestras from 1960 onwards and also taught at the Royal College of Music up until the year 2000. He studied with Frederick Thurston and Thea King and was one of the busiest players of his generation.

The decision to name this group after him was not only out of respect for his accomplishments, but also as a direct consequence of an enduring friendship between him and one of his students, Paul Saunders, who is a member of the quartet.

The four members of the The Courtney Quartet are colleagues and firm friends. In brief, the CVs of the four members cover (almost) every orchestra, West End show, and conservatoire in the UK.

Read the full bio on their website: paulsaundersclarinet.co.uk