ROBIN THOMPSON-CLARKE is a London-based professional cellist with a varied background in both the classical and worship music fields. John Irvine went to meet him at his East London home.

Robin Thompson-Clarke

The unexpected marketing niches discovered by Christian record companies releasing 'meditative' instrumental albums has brought unexpected Christian bookshop success for Robin Thompson-Clarke. This 30-year-old cellist has enjoyed two exceptionally good-selling albums with 'Praise Him On The Cello' and 'Classical Praise Cello'. I began by asking Robin how a classically trained musician found himself playing praise and worship choruses.

"As I became involved in recording music - particularly the Rob And Gilly (Bennett) albums," replied Robin, "I became more and more convinced that there should be high quality music available to Christian audiences. There should be no difference between the standard performed by a Christian and the standard performed by a non-Christian. This second album is perhaps the closest to what I set out to do: a mixture of classical music and worship songs arranged in a classical style. You don't have to separate the two. I'm trying to say to the praise and worship people, 'Look at the vast wealth of classical music that you could use for worship and meditation.' I can play classical music to a high standard of quality - I've proved that in my professional work. But there is a vast wealth of Christian music that sounds good too, so why not? I'm a Christian who's committed to producing quality music for Christian people to worship to or enjoy for enjoyment's sake.

"All music is initiated by God and claimable back for God. Music is a glorious gift from God. Strangely, there is an idea amongst Christians that the only Christian music is that which one can worship to, meditate to or find religious lyrics to. But pure enjoyment of music is also very important."

Robin's professional life began when at age 11 he won a scholarship to Northampton Music School. In 1981 he began four years study at the Royal Academy Of Music in London, where he became a Christian. Becoming aware of the immoral and cutthroat nature of the classical music scene, he put his 'career' in God's hands and "opportunities presented themselves." In addition to playing on recordings by Christian artists such as Graham Kendrick and John Pantry, he has been in great demand in the studio and in concert. Said Robin, "You sit by a telephone and wait for it to ring. 11.30pm one Friday I got a call -'Can you play in Northampton tomorrow?' It's quite often like that. If you say no too often, you don't get work."

Robin regularly plays with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Wren Orchestra, and is also a member of the Carnelian Quartet, the only Christian quartet in the UK. He is also principal cellist of the All Souls' Prom Praise Orchestra. Robin's 'big moment' with them was performing a Glazunov solo with the Orchestra at the world renowned Moscow Conservatoire as part of Billy Graham's visit to Russia in October 1992. Robin also spends a large amount of time teaching pupils both privately and in schools.

Robin is anxious to refute the oft-heard claim that classical music is elitist. "Classical music is not stuffy," Robin claimed. "Listen to it, it's really very accessible. I think there is a barrier, though. You have to find a way to make the music - whatever it is - meaningful to people. I've known people to come up after Carnelian Quartet concerts after we've played classical pieces and say, 'While you played that piece I had this revelation of God.' In Belfast we played Shostakovich's 'Eighth String Quartet'. The comparisons between the wartime bombing of Dresden in the Quartet and Belfast were quite graphic, and opened the way for the music to touch people's hearts. It's up to classical musicians to help people understand them. Nigel Kennedy made Vivaldi's 'Four Seasons' accessible. Having said that, I have no intention of painting my car Aston Villa colours!"

What does Robin think of modern composers influenced by their Christian faith such as John Tavener? "He's wonderful. I'd love to play The Protecting Veil'. The Carnelian Quartet have played his The Hidden Treasure'. We're doing arrangements of Arvo Part as well and have plans to record him."

Tavener sees music as the courtyard round the temple where believers and unbelievers can meet. Is this something the Church can get behind? "Yes, but they must realise that they can only do it within their own parameters. A local church couldn't get Tavener in - they'd fail miserably. Start at a sensible level. There's a classical instrumentalist in every church in the country - whether it's the organ or the recorder. We can introduce things in a gentle and sensitive way."

Not that Robin elevates technique above all else. He commented, "Musicians have got to realise the responsibility they have as musicians. But God's terms of excellence are different from ours. We've got to remember that. You can't manufacture worship no matter how good the musicians are."

This supremely gifted musician is keen to extend his musical vision on further albums. "I'd take 'Classical Praise Cello' one stage further," continued Robin, "with a greater mix of praise and classical music. But the time has to be right. As a solo artist I'm closer to having even more of a mix of praise and classical music. There would be music by Part and Tavener, and by Kendrick and Bowater on the same album."

I concluded by asking Robin what he would do if he weren't a cellist. "Something artistic. I had to choose between art and music when I did my A levels and I chose music. A few years ago, though, I seriously considered going into the ministry, but the call away from music wasn't strong enough. You've got to be certain you're being called away from a major gift."

That's one thing I like about Robin Thompson-Clarke. Not once during our conversation did he mention his talent or his career. Instead, he spoke of having a gift from God, a gift which could always be taken back. Robin wants Christian people to be more aware of the hidden treasures of classical music; he wants to use the gifts God gave him to give pleasure whether that is in playing 'serious' music or in enabling people to worship. He wants to encourage church musicians, whatever their ability, to continue to strive for greater things. You'll be hearing more from Robin Thompson-Clarke in the future, and I think you'll like what you hear.