Robin Reeds: The Open Fund
Short Project Title: New commission and Promotional Album Tour
Project Description: PRS Foundation support will bring to life two bold new experimental works for clarinet, expanding the boundaries of contemporary classical performance. The first, by Florence Anna Maunders, combines bass clarinet and electronics in an immersive new sound world. The second, composed by Robin Reeds, brings together clarinet and narration, featuring original text by acclaimed spoken word artist and playwright Mohammed Barber. These exciting new works will form part of Robin Reeds’ debut album, High Heels & Bass Squeals—a vibrant contemporary classical album celebrating LGBTQ+ voices, stories, and creativity. Support from PRS Foundation will also enable a four-city UK tour, beginning with a launch event in Manchester and continuing to Sheffield, Birmingham, and London. Each performance will showcase the new works alongside collaborations with local vocalists and dancers, creating dynamic, multidisciplinary events that connect audiences with innovative music and diverse artistic voices.
Bio: Robin Reeds is a Manchester-based drag king clarinettist and Royal Global Artist whose work blends classical music with comedy, musical theatre and drag artistry. A graduate of Leeds Conservatoire and the Royal Northern College of Music, Robin has performed internationally at venues including Wigmore Hall, First Direct Arena, and One World Observatory. They are the creator of the sell-out Off-West End cabaret, High Heels & Bass Squeals, which featured at 2025 ClarinetFest and headlined the CASSGB PlayDay. Robin is currently recording their debut studio album, and commissioning new work by award winning composer, Florence Anna Maunders.