Newsletter November 2025, Vol. 1

5 Nov

Vandoren Lyre Clarinet Mouthpieces

Vandoren Lyre mouthpieces are visually identifiable by the small golden lyre on the mouthpiece. Though there isn't a distinct trait that the Lyre series carries, the symbol indicates some kind of variation on the original model. For example, the B40 Lyre has a longer facing but shorter tip opening than the B40, allowing for a slightly harder reed and greater projection. On the other hand, the B45 Lyre has a much larger opening than the B45, facilitating greater flexibility.

Vandoren's Lyre range includes the M13, M30, 5RV, B40 and B45 Lyre.

Vandoren Ligatures

Changing your ligature can have a big impact on the response of your instrument! The material, surface area, and firmness all influence the sound and playability, which is why you should always trial a few options before upgrading.

For example, the Vandoren M|O has a firm hold but has less material in contact with the reed, giving it more buzz and a freer sound. Comparatively, the Vandoren Leather Ligature holds the reed ultra-firmly with a material that absorbs more motion, so the sound can seem darker and more condensed. The Optimum is a metal ligature and offers interchangeable pressure plates with different amounts of material touching the reed each, so you can find the set-up that sounds and works the best for you!

Featured Composition

The Nighthawks (Serenade) by Ronan Apcar

For Flute, Oboe Or Soprano Saxophone, and Bb Clarinet

"A short piece for flute, oboe, and clarinet based on the famous painting "Nighthawks" by American Realist painter Edward Hopper. Each instrument represents one of the three customers at a downtown diner who happen to cross paths on a slow and lonely evening. As they start conversation, the strangers warm up to each other and their conversation becomes more and more involved."

Ronan Apcar is one of Australia's many young musicians who are quickly garnering a reputation of versatility, edge, and tenacity. His passion for all kinds of music - jazz to the avant-garde, classical to house music - translates into his exciting work as a musician, not just as a performer and a composer but also as a collaborator and an artist. He is currently the Ensemble Offspring Hatched Academy Emerging Performer.

Upcoming Events

Exploring Vandoren with Alex Morris

2pm, Saturday 8 November

Notus Winds, Northbridge NSW

Join Australia’s newest Vandoren Artist, Alex Morris (Principal Bass Clarinet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra) for an exclusive hands-on session! This is a unique opportunity to explore the differences between various set-ups and receive expert guidance from one of Australia’s leading clarinettists. Bring along your clarinet, your setup, and your open ears!

All attendees will have the chance to play-test a comprehensive range of Vandoren gear, including VK Synthetic Reeds, our mouthpiece and ligature line-up, and the brand new B40 Lyre HD. Interested? Register your interest below!

Timeless Voices II | Ironbark Ensemble

2pm, Saturday 15 November

Hunter Baillie Memorial Church, Annandale NSW

Timeless Voices is a musical celebration of iconic classical and modern day composers, a program of music from across the ages either reimagined or written for the reed quintet, including works by JS Bach, Mendelssohn, Debussy, Dooley and Ligeti.

Buy Tickets

Andromeda Quartet with North Shore Wind Symphony

6pm, Saturday 15 November

Barker College, Hornsby NSW

The North Shore Wind Symphony are joined by trumpeter Raphael Harvey and Sydney-based saxophone quartet Andromeda Sax Quartet. Andromeda have performed in the Australian Festival of Chamber Music and were Featured Artists in the Dots+Loops PLAYBACK Festival. They will be performing Second Nature by Viet Cuong, a concerto for saxophone quartet and wind symphony.