The mass choir closes the festival.
The mass choir closes the festival.
Chicago was the fourth home to the Vandoren Clarinet Ensemble Festival. Held at Northeastern Illinois University, the event was the largest yet. "This is the only festival of its kind," commented David Gould, Vandoren artist relations manager. "There are a fair amount of conventions but none completely focused on clarinet ensembles."
The festival was organized in conjunction with Vandoren by Mitchell Estrin, professor of clarinet at the University of Florida and NIU assistant professor of music Rose Sperrazza.
The festival featured ensembles from duets to the volunteer clarinet choir conducted by Harvey Herman. Ensembles came from as far as Florida to participate.
On the heels of this very successful event, the planning committee is already at work on next year's event. Check back to see where it will be and how to participate.
Organizers Rose Sperrazza and Mitchell Estrin
John Yeh and his Basset Horn trio