Role

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Ensemble

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Chicago Clarinet Trio is a classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique sound and virtuosic performances for over two decades. The trio was founded in 1999 by three accomplished clarinetists, Larry Combs, Julie DeRoche, and John Bruce Yeh, who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to explore the possibilities of the clarinet as a solo and ensemble instrument. Larry Combs, the former principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was the driving force behind the formation of the trio. He had previously collaborated with Julie DeRoche, a fellow clarinetist and member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and John Bruce Yeh, the assistant principal clarinetist of the same orchestra, on various chamber music projects and was impressed by their musicianship and artistry. The trio's repertoire is diverse and includes works by classical composers such as Mozart, Brahms, and Beethoven, as well as contemporary pieces by living composers. They are known for their innovative arrangements of popular songs and jazz standards, which showcase the versatility of the clarinet and their ability to blend different musical styles. One of the highlights of the Chicago Clarinet Trio's career was their performance at the 2002 International Clarinet Association Conference in Stockholm, Sweden. The trio received critical acclaim for their performance of works by Brahms and Poulenc, and their innovative arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train." The performance was recorded and later released as a CD titled "Chicago Clarinet Trio Live in Stockholm." In addition to their international performances, the Chicago Clarinet Trio has also performed extensively throughout the United States, including at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. They have collaborated with renowned musicians such as pianist Emanuel Ax and cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and have been featured on numerous radio and television programs. The Chicago Clarinet Trio has also been recognized for their contributions to the world of classical music. In 2003, they were awarded the prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who have the potential for major careers in classical music. The grant provided the trio with financial support and helped to raise their profile in the classical music community. Despite their success, the Chicago Clarinet Trio remains committed to their mission of promoting the clarinet as a solo and ensemble instrument and expanding the repertoire for the instrument. They continue to perform and record new works by living composers and to collaborate with other musicians and ensembles to create innovative and exciting performances. In conclusion, the Chicago Clarinet Trio is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that has made significant contributions to the world of chamber music and the clarinet as an instrument. Their innovative arrangements and virtuosic performances have captivated audiences around the world, and their commitment to expanding the repertoire for the clarinet has helped to ensure the continued relevance and importance of the instrument in classical music.

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