Gary Dranch is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1953, in New York City, United States. Dranch grew up in a family that was passionate about music, and he was exposed to various genres of music from a young age. His father was a jazz musician, and his mother was a classical pianist. Dranch's parents encouraged him to pursue music, and he started playing the clarinet when he was just eight years old. Dranch's talent for music was evident from a young age, and he quickly became proficient in playing the clarinet. He attended the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where he received formal training in music. After completing high school, Dranch went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance. Dranch's career as a classical music artist began in the 1970s when he started performing with various orchestras and ensembles. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented clarinetist, and his performances were highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike. In 1978, Dranch joined the New York City Opera Orchestra, where he played the clarinet for over 20 years. During his time with the orchestra, Dranch performed in numerous productions, including La Bohème, Carmen, and The Marriage of Figaro. In addition to his work with the New York City Opera Orchestra, Dranch has also performed with other orchestras and ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the American Symphony Orchestra, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic. He has also performed as a soloist with various orchestras, including the New York Chamber Symphony and the New York Virtuosi. Dranch's talent as a classical music artist has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1980, he was awarded the prestigious Naumburg Award, which is given to outstanding young musicians. He has also been a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant and the New York State Council on the Arts Grant. One of the highlights of Dranch's career was his performance at the Lincoln Center's Mostly Mozart Festival in 1991. He performed Mozart's Clarinet Concerto in A Major with the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra, and his performance was highly praised by critics. The New York Times described his performance as "exquisite" and "eloquent." Dranch has also made a significant contribution to the world of music through his work as a teacher and mentor. He has taught at various institutions, including the Manhattan School of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College. He has also conducted masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and many of his students have gone on to have successful careers in music. In addition to his work as a classical music artist, Dranch is also a composer and arranger. He has written numerous pieces for the clarinet, including his own concerto, which he premiered with the New York Chamber Symphony in 1990. He has also arranged music for various ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic and the New York City Opera Orchestra. In conclusion, Gary Dranch is a highly accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. His talent as a clarinetist has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, and his performances have been highly acclaimed by audiences and critics alike.

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