musicians this Sunday, when clarinetist Mark Lomas performs in recital at St.

John's Church.

Together with accompanist Martha Locker and the choral group `Word', which is directed by Lloyd Matthew, the programme will include Three Fantasies by Schumann, a Sonata for Clarinet and Piano by Poulenc, as well as a medley of opera themes.

The recital has been organised by William Duncan "to showcase a young Bermudian and his enormous talent''. In addition to the Juilliard duo, he has invited `Word', a choral group that is basically composed of Seventh Day Adventist choir members.

"Lloyd has achieved a very high standard and they are in great demand,'' says Mr. Duncan. "Dion Flash, who is their accompanist and works with the AME Church in Bermuda, is also an accomplished pianist who recently graduated from the Toronto Conservatory. He will be playing a Chopin Study.'' Mr. Lomas has just graduated from the Juilliard School in New York. At the age of only 20 he has, in effect, achieved this two years early -- he was accepted into the world-famous school when he was 16 to undertake the four-year bachelor degree course. While there, he was chosen to perform as First Clarinet with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra and, last year, was the featured soloist for the English Chamber Orchestra when they appeared at the Bermuda Festival.

"The programme is really a very nice one to listen to -- something for everyone, says Mr. Lomas. "The `I Puritani' is extremely virtuosic, a fantasy on various themes from the opera. I would say,'' he adds, "that it's quick -- and flashy!'' Noting that the Poulenc Sonata has a strong French influence, he says that the Schumann Fantasy pieces are from the Romantic era "and very passionate''.

One of the most intriguing items on the programme will surely be what he refers to as `the South American Sonata'.

"I don't think it's been published yet but was composed by Carlos Guastavino for clarinet player Luis Rossi. As the title suggests, it has a lovely South American flavour. It's fairly modern, but doesn't sound modern. In fact, it's rather reminiscent of Rachmaninov, with lots of long runs -- the whole nine yards.'' Mr. Lomas will shortly be moving to London to take an audio-engineering course. Although this will mean taking a step away from classical music, the break will not be a complete one.

"I am doing a big competition in July and there is some interest in concerts for me in the UK. In fact,'' he reveals, "I was asked to call the English Chamber Orchestra when I arrive, so I shall do that. The competition is a big affair, held in Tunbridge Wells over three days with each of the three separate rounds having a different repertoire and a 30-minute recital. So, we shall see!'' Describing his accompanist, 20-year old Martha Locker as a pianist friend from school (Juilliard), Mr. Lomas said: "She has won numerous prizes and we play everything together. She has played for just about every recital I've done.

This is her first visit to Bermuda and I know that everyone will want to hear her. She really is an outstanding musician -- quite wonderful!'' Ms Locker, on her first visit to Bermuda and about to complete her final year at Julliard, says: "It has been great fun, working with Mark over these past three years. I'm going to miss him. He is also a wonderful musician!'' The Recital of Instrumental and Choral Music will take place at St. John's Church on Sunday, May 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets at $20 are available from the Pembroke Sunday School Office between 9 a.m. and 12 noon daily, or at the door.