Richard StoltzmanClarinetists of all ages and abilities can perform and interact with some of the greatest performers and teachers in the country at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s 15th annual Clarinet Symposium, Feb. 4-5.
Leading the roster of guest artists and clinicians is Richard Stoltzman, a sought-after concert artist, world-renowned soloist and recording artist, and two-time Grammy Award winner.
The symposium is presented by the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music, with support from Backun Musical Services and the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, in conjunction with Stoltzman’s scheduled performances for its “American Festival” series Feb. 3-4.
Along with Stoltzman, guest artists also include Daniel Gilbert of the University of Michigan and Morrie Backun of Backun Musical Services.
Professional clarinetists from the region will join the symposium for a weekend filled with recitals, master classes, clinics, clarinet choirs and opportunities to try instruments and equipment with vendors Backun, D’Addario Woodwinds, Art’s Music, and Lohff and Pfeiffer. Participating professional clarinetists include Kip Franklin, University of South Alabama; Robert Janssen, Alabama School of Fine Arts; Lori Ardovino, University of Montevallo; Jackie McIlwain, University of Southern Mississippi; London-Silas Shavers, Northwest Mississippi Community College; the Alabama Clarinets Ensemble; and the Hijinx Quartet of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Denise Gainey, DMAThe cost is $40. Registration prior to Feb. 3 will include a ticket to attend Stoltzman’s 8 p.m. performance with the ASO on Saturday, Feb. 4, and lunch on both Saturday and Sunday. Participants may register online.
All symposium participants will perform in the final clarinet choir’s recital at UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. For more information, contact Associate Professor of Clarinet Denise Gainey, DMA, at 205-975-0558 or clarinet@uab.edu.
Stoltzman’s unique way with the clarinet has earned him an international reputation. He gave the first clarinet recitals at both the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and became the first wind player to receive the Avery Fisher Prize. He has performed or recorded with jazz and pop greats Gary Burton, the Canadian Brass, Chick Corea, Judy Collins, Steve Gadd, Eddie Gomez, Keith Jarrett, the King’s Singers, Mike Manieri, George Shearing, Wayne Shorter, Mel Tormé, Spyro Gyra founder Jeremy Wall and Kazumi Watanabe. His commitment to new music has resulted in premieres including acclaimed clarinet works written for him by Steve Reich, Toru Takemitsu, Stephen Hartke, Einojuhani Rautavaara and Yehudi Wyner.