Welcome to Clarinetopia 2011

Good news from Clarinetopia!
One of our founding faculty members, Steve Williamson, has just become principal clarinetist of the Chicago Symphony. Heartiest congratulations to Steve! As a result, Steve has a myriad of things to do in preparing to move his family, and has reluctantly withdrawn from Clarinetopia 2011.

There is more good news. Through a stroke of luck, our good friend Charles Neidich is available to replace Steve. Charlie will be doing the events that Steve was originally scheduled for. His biography has been added to the faculty page. We have also dispensed with an application deadline, and will be accepting applications as long as we have a remaining vacancy.

More good news!
The only bad news is that Laura Flax has asked to be replaced. She and Steve remain important parts of the Clarinetopia family even though they'll be on leave this year. The good news is that our dear friend Caroline Hartig (a Stony Brook grad and Neidich student!) is available to replace her.  You'll find her bio on the faculty page.  The schedule now reflects Charles Neidich's and Caroline Hartig's participation.

What is Clarinetopia?
Clarinetopia is a residential seminar for clarinetists aged 18 and over, entering its third year after two successful seasons. It will take place at Stony Brook University from 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22 to c. 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 26, 2011. This is an opportunity to immerse in the art of clarinet performance with five of America’s most respected performer/teachers: clarinetists Michael Webster, Alan R. Kay, Laura Flax, and Stephen Williamson; and flutist Leone Buyse.  They will offer recitals, master classes and presentations described in detail in the schedule of events. An evening will be devoted to an exciting Benny Goodman/Artie Shaw tribute by the Anderson Twins Sextet.

Clarinetopia will cater to all serious clarinetists: students, professionals, teachers, adult amateurs – anyone who loves the clarinet and wants to deepen and broaden his or her understanding of performing and teaching.  The faculty will offer master classes for up to twenty performers, selected on the basis of submitted recordings, and a similar number of participants who will attend all events and share the learning experience without actually performing.

We are delighted to have the superb facilities of the Staller Center for the Arts and the renowned Stony Brook University Department of Music as our venue. Stony Brook offers a beautiful campus, affordable housing and meals, and convenient access from New York City via train, bus, or automobile.

For 2011, we have access to a brand new dormitory offering comfortable on-campus housing at a very modest price.