Lily Payne
Clarinet
Lily Payne began studying the clarinet at the age of seven under the guidance of her mother. In 2014, she joined The Purcell School where she studied with Joy Farrall and graduated in 2022. In 2022, Lily began her studies with Andrew Marriner and Rob Ault (Bass Clarinet) at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and was awarded direct second year entry. She graduated from in 2025 with first class honours. Her performance highlights include Stravinsky’s Three Pieces for Solo Clarinet in Russia as part of the Moscow Meets Friends International Festival. In 2021, Lily made her concerto debut performing Copland’s Clarinet Concerto at the Cadogan Hall. Lily has also appeared at Wigmore Hall playing Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie.
During her time at Guildhall, Lily performed as second clarinet alongside Antony McGill in Mozart’s Gran Partita with the Guildhall Wind Soloists. She was also a finalist in the prestigious Needlemakers Prize. As part of Pierre Boulez's centenary celebrations, she performed ‘Domaines’ for solo clarinet live on BBC Radio 3. Lily has taken part in masterclasses with renowned clarinettists including Karl Leister, Pascal Moragues, and Martin Fröst. In October 2025, she will begin her master’s studies at the Lübeck Academy of Music with Jens Thoben. As a member of the CATIL quintet, Lily thoroughly enjoys regularly playing all around the UK and participating in educational workshops. Her personal quintet highlights include performing at the Tunnell Trust and a concert together on her 21st birthday.