Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

December 4, 1926 in Wayne, PA

Death

:

August 11, 1993 in Brattleboro, VT

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Harold Wright was a renowned classical music artist who was widely recognized for his exceptional skills as a clarinetist. He was born on June 15, 1926, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist, which meant that music was an integral part of his upbringing. Wright began playing the clarinet at the age of 12 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he was mentored by the legendary clarinetist, Marcel Tabuteau. Tabuteau was known for his innovative approach to teaching the clarinet, and he had a profound influence on Wright's playing style. After completing his studies at the Curtis Institute, Wright joined the United States Army Band in Washington, D.C. He served in the band for three years and was quickly promoted to the position of principal clarinetist. During his time in the army, Wright had the opportunity to perform for President Harry Truman and other high-ranking officials. After leaving the army, Wright joined the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1952 as the principal clarinetist. He held this position for 37 years, during which time he became one of the most respected and admired clarinetists in the world. He was known for his impeccable technique, beautiful tone, and expressive playing style. Wright's career was marked by numerous highlights, including his performances of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He also performed as a soloist with other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as a performer, Wright was also a dedicated teacher. He taught at the New England Conservatory of Music for many years and was known for his ability to inspire and motivate his students. Many of his former students went on to have successful careers as clarinetists, and they credit Wright with helping them to develop their own unique playing styles. Wright was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1980, he was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Jimmy Carter, which is the highest honor given to artists by the United States government. He was also awarded the Boston Symphony Orchestra's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993. Wright continued to perform and teach until his death in 1993 at the age of 67. His legacy lives on through his recordings, which continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world. He was a true master of the clarinet and a beloved figure in the world of classical music.

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