#17 - Playing for Something Greater w/ Emma Johnson

#17 - Playing for Something Greater w/ Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson MBE is one of the few clarinettists to have established a career as a solo performer. Emma grew up in London and her career was launched when, at the age of 17, she won BBC Young Musician of the Year followed by the Young Concert Artists Auditions in New York. Before embarking on a musical path, she studied Music and English at Pembroke College, Cambridge University and since then she has given concerts all over the world. Emma Johnson has made 30 recordings to date; tracks from her recent album, English Fantasy, have been streamed over 6 million times on Spotify. Voyage and The Mozart Album on the Universal label were also classical chart-topping successes and Johnson’s CD of Brahms Sonatas with John Lenehan was described as “definitive" in the Observer. Her recording of Stanford and Finzi was nominated for a Gramophone Award. Emma Johnson is also a composer; books of her arrangements and compositions have been published by Chesters, Fabers and Encore Publications. A series of new solo clarinet pieces has also been published by Queen’s Temple Publishing and Songs of Celebration, Johnson’s composition for clarinet and choir, has recently been performed in Dublin, London and Tokyo. Her clarinet concerto, Tree of Life, about the climate crisis, premiered in 2023 and has toured throughout the UK played by Johnson’s handpicked Orchestra for the Environment (www.orchestrafortheenvironment.com) who will make their first recording in 2026. In 2020 Emma Johnson was awarded the Cobbett medal for distinguished services to chamber music from the Musicians’ Company guild in the City of London. She loves to collaborate with other musicians and also directs her own ensemble, Emma Johnson and Friends, whose recent live recording of the Schubert Octet was critically acclaimed. Emma Johnson’s TV appearances have ranged from a recital for Sky Arts TV to a televised BBC Prom concert. Emma played the popular theme for The Victorian Kitchen Garden on BBC TV (winning an Ivor Novello Award). Videos of her performances and masterclasses can be viewed on her YouTube channel. Emma’s radio work includes Artist of the Week for both BBC Radio 3 and Classic FM as well as for radio stations around the world and she has been a featured guest on BBC’s Woman's Hour and World at One. Her radio broadcasts about composer Gerald Finzi and poet John Milton on BBC Radio 4 were both chosen as Pick of the Week and she is often invited to give talks including, most recently, Comedy Classical, an exploration of humour in music, for The Arts Society. In 2024 she founded the Emma Johnson Music Foundation which has already increased awareness of music amongst thousands of UK primary school children through Instrument Stories workshops. Emma has also given masterclasses throughout the world and hosts a clarinet course in London each summer. Emma was the first woman to be made an Honorary Fellow of Pembroke College, Cambridge and in 2017 the college commissioned a portrait of her. She enjoys running and is a keen bird watcher too. Emma was honoured by the Queen with an M.B.E. in 1996. Her instrument is made by the English clarinet maker, Peter Eaton. For more details please visit www.emmajohnson.co.uk https://www.emmajohnsonmusicfoundation.org/ Thanks for listening! Check out Emma’s work - emmajohnson.co.uk [http://www.emmajohnson.co.uk/] emmjohnsonmusicfoundation.org [http://www.emmjohnsonmusicfoundation.org/] Facebook & Twitter: @clarinetemmaj YouTube: @emmajohnsonclarinet Recording:  The Tree of Life, Mvnt. 3 "The Truth of Things" (To be released January of 2027!) Connect with me - Website - emilyjohnston.com Clarinet Channel Instagram - @theclarinetchannel YouTube - @TheClarinetChannelPod

#16 - Andrea's Journey to the LA Philharmonic w/ Andrea Caputo

Italian by birth, citizen of the world by training, Andrea has been studying all over the globe with some of the most sought-after mentors in the world: in Los Angeles at The Colburn School with Yehuda Gilad, at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome with Alessandro Carbonare, as well as graduating from the Universität “Mozarteum” in Salzburg in the class of Wenzel Fuchs and at the Conservatoire national supérieur de Paris in the class of Pascal Moraguès.  An active orchestral musician, Andrea has just been appointed Associate Principal Clarinet of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and is a member of the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra. He has performed in many of the best stages with some of the finest ensembles, such as the Tonhalle Orchester Zürich, Orchestre de Paris, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra dell’Accademia di Santa Cecilia di Roma, under the baton of Gustavo Dudamel, Riccardo Muti, Valery Gergiev, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Klaus Mäkelä, Simon Rattle, Antonio Pappano, Gianandrea Noseda, Iván Fischer, Paavo Järvi, Daniele Gatti, Zubin Mehta, Christoph Eschenbach, Fabio Luisi, Manfred Honeck, Charles Dutoit, Hannu Lintu, Lahav Shani, Gábor Takács-Nagy, Rafael Payare, Domingo Hindoyan.  A passionate chamber musician, Andrea is a the founding members of Trio Caspar (@triocaspar), the first Honors Chamber Music Ensemble in residence at The Colburn School. In addition, he has performed with many great artists, most notably Paul Watkins (Emerson String Quartet), Gary Hoffman, and Tine Thing Helseth, as well as touring with woodwind members of the Berliner Philharmoniker during the KonstKnekt Vinterfestspill in Norway.  Previous seasons engagements included, among others, a tour in Europe with the Estonian Festival Orchestra and Paavo Järvi, Europe and America tours with the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, a chamber music tour in Japan with Brahms and Mozart’s Clarinet Quintets, as well as a debut as soloist with the Budapest Festival Orchestra conducted by Gábor Takács-Nagy, performing Weber’s Clarinet Concerto in F minor, Op. 73.  Andrea is a prizewinner of several national and international competition, such as the 18th Aeolus International Competition (Düsseldorf), “Carlino” International Clarinet Competition (Udine), Premio Crescendo (Firenze), and Sándor Végh Competition (Budapest), as well as coming to attention as one of the six semifinalists of the prestigious ARD Competition in Münich (Germany), performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A major with the Munich Chamber Orchestra.  As a teacher, Andrea was Professor of Clarinet at the Conservatory of Trapani, Italy. He is currently the Teaching Assistant for the clarinet studio of his mentor Yehuda Gilad at The Colburn School in Los Angeles, where he will also be completing his Artist Diploma in May 2026.  Andrea is a Buffet Crampon artist and performs exclusively on their instruments. In his free time, he enjoys photography and exploring different food cultures. Thanks for listening! Check out Andrea’s work - andreacaputoclarinet.com [http://andreacaputoclarinet.com] Instagram: @andreacaputoclarinet Recording:  Mozart Clarinet Concerto Mvnt. 3 Andrea Caputo & Munich Chamber Orchestra Connect with me - Website - emilyjohnston.com Clarinet Channel Instagram - @theclarinetchannel YouTube - @TheClarinetChannelPod

#15 - Having Courage Under Pressure w/ Wesley Ferreira

With a charismatic blend of technical flair, polish, and grace, Portuguese-Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira draws in audiences with his unabashed joy and passion for storytelling through music. Widely regarded as a gifted expressionist, critics have praised his “beautiful tone” and “technical prowess” (American Record Guide), “remarkable sensitivity” (CAML Review), and “invigorating performance style” (The Clarinet). Fanfare Magazine adds, “Ferreira is clearly a major talent.”He has been broadcast nationally on RTP television in Portugal, CBC Radio in Canada, and ABC in Australia and has been a featured guest artist at numerous clarinet festivals. As one half of the globe-trotting clarinet and guitar duo Jâca, he is part of an acclaimed and groundbreaking ensemble that combines classical and world folk music to bring an adventurous, passionate, and completely original musical style to the stage. In addition to his performing career, Wesley is also a sought-after keynote speaker who works with corporate and professional audiences to help them develop the mindset, presence, and poise of top performers—so they can succeed authentically and lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. He also speaks passionately on arts advocacy, showing how the artistic mindset and creative toolkit empower individuals in their careers and in everyday life, fostering personal growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to the world around them. Currently based in the United States, he is a tenured full professor of music at Colorado State University, where he maintains a thriving clarinet studio. He is also co-founder and artistic director of the Lift Clarinet Academy, a premier summer training institute that attracts students from around the world. As a recording artist, Wesley has released nine albums across labels including Centaur and Parma, earning international recognition such as the 2013 East Coast Music Award for Classical Recording of the Year and the 2015 and 2022 International Portuguese Music Awards. His discography ranges from Into the Green, a bold exploration of works for clarinet and electronics, to Breakthrough, the debut album of Jâca. His 2019 solo album Arrival highlights Portuguese composers and reflects his ongoing commitment to bridging heritage, scholarship, and performance. In 2025, he was inducted as a member of the Recording Academy (Grammy®), a recognition that affirms his stature not only as a performer but also as a recording artist committed to advancing the place of music in society. Wesley’s exploration of increasingly stimulating projects and challenges was on display when he was tapped by Selmer Paris in 2017 as a lead consultant and team developer on a new line of clarinets. In October 2021, the Muse professional clarinet was released to critical acclaim. Undoubtedly, Wesley’s commitment to collaboration and advancing his field was further demonstrated when he served as Artistic Director of the ClarinetFest® 2023 conference, a major event with record-breaking attendance celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the International Clarinet Association. Wesley received his advanced musical training at the University of Western Ontario (B.M.) and Arizona State University (M.M. and D.M.A.), studying with Robert Riseling and Robert Spring, respectively. He is endorsed by Selmer Paris and Vandoren, and performs exclusively on Selmer Muse clarinets and the Vandoren BD4 mouthpiece, V21 reeds, and rose gold M/O ligature. To learn more, visit:  www.wesleyferreira.com [http://www.wesleyferreira.com/]. Thanks for listening! Check out Wesley’s work - wesleyferreira.com [http://www.wesleyferreira.com/] Insta - @WesleyOnStage YouTube - @WesleyOnStage “Into the Green” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAXn2WNh5M&list=RDHzAXn2WNh5M&start_radio=1 Connect with me - Website - emilyjohnston.com Clarinet Channel Instagram - @theclarinetchannel YouTube - @emilyjclarinet

#14 - Stepping into the Professional World w/ Robert DiLutis

Robert DiLutis is currently professor of clarinet at the University of Maryland, School of Music, College Park.  Previously Mr. DiLutis was professor of clarinet at the Louisiana State University School of Music from 2009-2012, assistant principal and e-flat clarinetist with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and a clarinet professor at the Eastman School of Music. Mr. DiLutis has also served on the faculties of the St. Mary's University in Texas and Nazareth College in New York. Most recently Mr. DiLutis developed and taught an Orchestral Audition Training Program for the Eastman School of Music. His many clinics and master classes have included Ithaca College, Hartt School of Music, Boston University, New England Conservatory, Longy School of Music and the Academia y Banda De Musica De Norena, Oviedo, Spain. Making his Carnegie Hall Recital debut in 1989, Mr. DiLutis has also performed as a featured soloist with ensembles such as the San Antonio Symphony, Baton Rouge Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently Mr. DiLutis toured with the New York Philharmonic on its historic trip to Pyongyang, North Korea. Mr. DiLutis is a graduate of the Juilliard School where he studied with David Weber. In addition to his performance career Mr. DiLutis in the creator of the Reed Machine, a reed-making device used by top professionals around the world. Mr. DiLutis is an Artist for Buffet Group USA and plays Buffet clarinets exclusively. As part of Professor DiLutis' comprehensive program at the university, he is offering classes in Clarinet Choir, Instrument Repair, Single Reed Making, Orchestral Repertoire, Clarinet Master Class, How to Win an Orchestral Audition, Chamber Music, Clarinet, Eb Clarinet and Bass Clarinet lessons. In 2016, Mr. DiLutis had been principal clarinetist with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for the past 8 years and will touring with the Maryland Clarinet Society to Dublin Ireland this summer. You can hear Mr. DiLutis on his recording on the Delos, Centaur, New World and Tonsehen recording labels. Thanks for listening! Check out Prof. DiLutis’ work - robertdilutis.com [http://robertdilutis.com] thereedmachine.net [http://thereedmachine.net] Connect with me - Website - emilyjohnston.com Clarinet Channel Instagram - @theclarinetchannel YouTube - @emilyjclarinet

#13 - Breaking Down Barriers w/ Andy Hudson (Pt. 2!)

Praised for his “fearless” performances, clarinetist Andy Hudson has appeared across North America, Europe, and Africa in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings. He has recently performed with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Sarasota Orchestra, and the North Carolina Symphony, and he was appointed Bass/3rd Clarinetist of the http://www.cabrillomusic.org/ in 2020. Other festival appearances include the Lucerne, Bang on a Can, Hot Air, Sound Atlas, and Great Lakes Chamber Music festivals. “Truly a performer for the moment,” Andy has premiered 100+ works to date, published https://conway-publications.com/product/elements-of-contemporary-clarinet-technique-space-bass/ with Conway Publications, and has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra on their MusicNOW series and with Miami’s http://www.nu-deco.org/ and Raleigh’s http://www.earspace.org/. He is currently Artistic Director with the international sextet http://www.latitude49music.com/ and has given masterclasses at many of the world’s great conservatories and centers for musical study. He is an Artist-Clinician for Buffet Crampon, a Vandoren Performing Artist, and an Ambassador for Rovner Products. Andy is currently Associate Professor of Clarinet at the https://www.lawrence.edu/academics/conservatory/clarinet in Appleton, WI.  Thanks for listening! Website: theandyhudson.com [http://theandyhudson.com] Instagram: @theandyhudson Obsolete Music: https://open.spotify.com/album/2DYp1us2e5rg6ln4BWLfB1?si=YtRUEPUxTFuNCcM87Sx0AQ [https://open.spotify.com/album/2DYp1us2e5rg6ln4BWLfB1?si=YtRUEPUxTFuNCcM87Sx0AQ] Dig Deep: https://open.spotify.com/album/3wX7qtAkvMmg2FQ2DHmFqu?si=yDvZ4lTQSya3qlYVFW-LjQ&nd=1&dlsi=9b94c4288dd14fe3 [https://open.spotify.com/album/3wX7qtAkvMmg2FQ2DHmFqu?si=yDvZ4lTQSya3qlYVFW-LjQ&nd=1&dlsi=9b94c4288dd14fe3] Music for Falling and Flying: https://open.spotify.com/album/0zG3RNmGZafb7YVYGHEe1Y?si=bYw7Y4xzQluFj0vxzODLsA [https://open.spotify.com/album/0zG3RNmGZafb7YVYGHEe1Y?si=bYw7Y4xzQluFj0vxzODLsA] Check out more of The Clarinet Channel! Instagram: @theclarinetchannel Youtube: @TheClarinetChannelPod Website: emilyjohnston.com [http://emilyjohnston.com]