Leslie Craven is currently Principal Clarinettist in the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, appointed by former Musical Director Carlo Rizzi , who returned to WNO in the Autumn of 2004 to resume his position as Musical Director (after the sudden resignation of Tugan Sokhiev) with a resounding success with Ariadne auf Naxos by Strauss. Leslie studied Italian opera repertoire with Maestro Franco Ferraris, pupil of the great Arturo Toscanini and whilst a student took part in several master classes with the renowned pedagogue Nadia Boulanger as well as master classes with Jack Brymer, Bernard Walton and as a conductor with Leopold Stokowski.

At the Royal College of music he Studied with former L.S.O. principal clarinettist Sidney Fell and also studied conducting, winning the Sir Adrian Boult Scholarship prize for conducting and both the Lyall Taylor Exhibition and the City Livery Club Prize for clarinet performing. He graduated with an Honours A.R.C.M. in performance, gaining one of the highest marks ever recorded.

Before joining WNO he played freelance principal clarinet in concert and on numerous recordings with the London orchestras including the Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, London Symphony, B.B.C. Concert Orchestra and chamber orchestra, London Musici.

He has a vast recital repertoire and has also performed many concertos in countries as distant as America, Canada, South Africa, most of Europe and has performed on many international Radio and T.V. networks. He has recorded with such artists as Ashkenazy, Gidon Kremer, Rostropovitch, Alfredo Kraus, Bryn Terfel, Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo, Renee Fleming and many other great artists.

Some notable Solo T.V. performances include Fantasia: La Traviata (Verdi arranged Lovreglio / Giampieri) the Mozart concerto (conducted by Rinaldo Allessandrini) with the orchestra of Welsh National Opera and the obligato to Parto Parto from Clemenza da Tito. ( mezzo soprano Katarina Karnéus, conducted by Sir Charles Mackerras).These performance received lavish praise from the press. Leslie has broadcast most of the major recital repertoire and was nominated for a broadcasting award (South African Broadcasting Corporation) for his world premier recording of Priaulx Rainier's Suite for clarinet and piano.

Whilst a freelance principal clarinettist in London he was highly sought after in studios, playing on soundtracks for films and for TV series and commercials. Films he played for include Howards End, Mickey Blue Eyes, The Pope Must Die, The Wicker Man, The Pirate Prince and many more. T.V. series include amongst others; House of Eliott, Soldier, Soldier, Anna Lee, The Michael Aspel show and Wogan.

He also played for West End Shows such as Phantom of the Opera and was a member of the ensemble (hand chosen by Michael Reed - Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical director) for Aspects of Love and featured on the cast albums and compilation discs of most of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical hits.

Leslie also recorded for many commercials including Levi jeans, Renault, McDonalds, Lindt chocolates, Arial soap powder and many other household brands.

As well as numerous classical and operatic orchestral discs he also recorded backing tracks for Charlotte Church, Cilla Black,Michael Ball,Michael Crawford, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart,The Pet Shop Boys and many others.

Leslie Craven is also featured on chamber music recordings; Andre Jolivet Sonatine (Asv CD DCA 948) and Villa Lobos Choros No.2 (Kingdom CD no. KCLCD) with Anna Noakes - flute. Scenes from a comedy for wind quintet by Christopher Ball with the Adderbury ensemble Pavane ADW7404. A clip from this last piece can be heard on Christopher Ball's web site