Famous Clarinetists of the World — From Classical to Jazz
With its warm timbre and wide range, the clarinet is a highly popular instrument across many genres, including concert band, classical, and jazz.
Another hallmark of the clarinet is its versatility: it adapts to a variety of performance settings, from ensembles to solo playing.
Many people may have first learned of the instrument through the well-known children’s song “I Broke My Clarinet.”
In this article, we’ve gathered notable clarinetists from around the world who are active in classical and jazz.
Read on, and the clarinet might start to feel even more familiar to you.
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World-Famous Clarinetists: From Classical to Jazz (11–20)
Putty Boy Strut／Flying LotusAnat Cohen
Born in 1975 in Israel and based in New York with a worldwide presence, Anat Cohen is one of the most important clarinetists in contemporary jazz.
Also known as the sole woman in the sibling band 3 Cohens—alongside her globally renowned jazz-musician brothers, trumpeter Avishai Cohen and saxophonist Yuval Cohen—Anat not only unlocks new possibilities for the clarinet with a style that moves freely among jazz, Brazilian music, African music, and the music of her Israeli roots, but she also shines as a multi-reed player across many fields.
Listening to her rich musical expression as she speaks to the importance of the clarinet—an instrument used not only in jazz and classical music, but also in the folk traditions of Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America—you may just find yourself inspired to start practicing the clarinet!
Clarinet Concerto, Op. 57 / Carl NielsenCharles Neidich
Charles Neidich is a clarinetist active across a wide range of genres, from early music to contemporary works.
Born in New York City in 1953, he began playing the clarinet at age eight and made his debut in 1974.
In 1985, he won the Walter W.
Naumburg Competition, which brought him into the spotlight.
Equally versed in both historical and modern instruments—famously reconstructing and performing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto from the original sources—he is known as a “master of the clarinet.” He is also highly regarded as an educator and has taught at institutions such as the Juilliard School.
The Path of Suzukake / Yukihiko Haidasuzuki shōji
One of Japan’s best-known clarinetists, Shoji Suzuki.
For many people, the piece “Suzukake no Michi” comes to mind when they think of him.
Suzuki grew up in a musical family: his father was a violinist, and his siblings were a pianist and a saxophonist.
Excelling at swing jazz, he formed a band called Shoji Suzuki and the Rhythm Aces and performed swing numbers.
Peanuts Hucko from Benny Goodman’s band took a liking to them, which led to performances in New York.
Clarinet Sonata, FP 184 / Francis PoulencMartin Fröst
A Swedish clarinetist.
Although the piece is busy with many exchanges with the piano, it’s so memorable that once you hear it, it won’t leave your head, and it has a large fan base.
The indescribable atmosphere of the second movement draws you in, but the intense third movement that follows is especially popular.
Clarinet Concerto in A major, K. 622, Movement III / Wolfgang Amadeus MozartHashimoto Anna
Born in Japan and based in London, Anna Hashimoto—instantly recognizable for her signature glasses—is a clarinetist drawing worldwide attention with her global career.
Raised in the UK from an early age, she made her recital debut at the Cambridge Music Festival at just 12, and her concerto debut with the English Chamber Orchestra at 15.
Demonstrating precocious talent, she has won numerous competitions both in the UK and abroad, performed with many prestigious orchestras including those in Japan, released recordings including solo albums, and maintains a vigorous schedule that also includes serving as a clarinet tutor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Remarkably, she is the sole pupil of Michael Collins, the world-leading clarinetist known for not taking on students.
Hashimoto has also released works that pour her deep affection for Britain into music, including her solo album “A Touch of Britain,” which focuses on works by British composers.
Solfeggietto / Carl Philipp Emanuel BachEddie Daniels
Eddie Daniels is a renowned clarinetist who has left a brilliant legacy in both jazz and classical music.
Gaining fame through collaborations with jazz trumpeter Thad Jones, performances around the world, and television appearances, he has released numerous works that have been nominated for Grammy Awards, including the albums Heart of Brazil and Night Kisses.
Equally compelling whether performing Mozart or Charlie Parker, his music captivates with a genre-transcending brilliance.
If you’re interested in music that bridges jazz and classical, be sure to give him a listen!
Famous Clarinetists of the World — From Classical to Jazz (21–30)
Theme and Variations / Jean FrançaixJoë Christophe
Joë Christophe, a clarinetist from France, is shining with remarkable talent in the world of classical music.
Having begun the clarinet at the age of six, he won first prize at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich in 2019, swiftly attracting widespread attention.
On his debut album, Idylle, he collaborates with pianist Vinsent Mussa, presenting a beautiful repertoire.
With a performance style that combines a delicate, poetic tone and superior technical skill, he captivates listeners.