The Clarinet in Classical Music and the North Carolina Symphony
Our speaker on October 28, Andrew Lowy, won the audition for principal clarinet of the North Carolina Symphony in 2010 at the extraordinary age of 23 (he is now an elderly 25), replacing its principal clarinetist of 41 years. At the time he was still pursuing graduate studies at the University of Southern California, having previously completed his bachelor’s degree at Harvard in music and linguistics. Twice a fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center, he has played under some of the world’s foremost conductors, including James Levine, Kurt Masur, and Herbert Blomstedt.
Besides his work with the NC Symphony, Andrew has been an active chamber musician, performing with the Mallarmé Chamber Players in Durham and appearing on the Manning Chamber Music Series at Peace College. In April 2013, he will present his first solo recital in the Triangle as part of the Smedes Parlor Series at St. Mary’s School.
Andrew will tell us about himself and his instrument. He will give us an insider’s look at what it is like to audition for and play in a major professional orchestra like the NC Symphony and tell us about what to look for in the upcoming Symphony season – which includes, on Nov. 9, 2012, his taking the solo role in Debussy’s Rhapsody for Clarinet (the clarinetist in the YouTube link isn’t him). His time with us will also include a Q&A session.
If not that familiar with the clarinet among other musical instruments, you might enjoy reading about its history and sound, as well as its place in an orchestra.