A Visit with Richard Stoltzman

January 30, 2023, 7:00 pm

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Richard Stoltzman (Photo: A. Kumamoto)

Descending into Richard’s daylight basement is stepping into over fifty years of clarinet history. Music scores, posters, photos, thousands of clarinet reeds, and over 175 of his recordings fill tables and shelves. With sweet overtones and a twinkle in his eye, he describes standing on stage, pointing the bell of his clarinet towards the audience, and drawing them into the music of Brahms, Messiaen, Takemitsu, Mozart, and Copland. His welcoming sense of community has introduced us to new players, and new interpretations of less understood works, plus he has commissioned music by everybody. Listen to stories about his parents, Benny Goodman, Rudolf Serkin, Chick Corea, his teachers and friends, and you quickly understand his dedication to a lifetime spent getting it right. This week with Richard will make your jaw drop!