Anthony McGill (Clarinet '00) Signed as a Backun Artist
The William R. and Hyunah Yu Brody Distinguished Chair at Curtis and principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic will design the new "McGill Signature Series" line of clarinets with the instrument maker
Anthony McGill (Clarinet ’00), Curtis’s William R. and Hyunah Yu Brody Distinguished Chair, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, and artistic director of Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program, has been signed as a Backun Artist. The GRAMMY Award®-nominated artist will design the new “McGill Signature Series” line of premium clarinets and clarinet barrels, bells, and mouthpieces with the internationally renowned instrument-maker while continuing to perform exclusively on his Backun Lumière Clarinets. As part of the agreement, Backun will draw on its educational networks to increase public awareness of McGill’s concerts and to sponsor workshops, classes, and other engagements in the cities where he is performing.
“I’m thrilled to be named a Backun Artist. The Backun Clarinets allow me to draw that warm, vibrant sound that I’m always searching for,” says Mr. McGill. “It is such an honor to be creating my own line of affordably priced, high-quality clarinets. I’m also very excited to share my music with more people through our Backun community events,” he adds.
Praised for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” (New York Times) and his “exquisite combination of technical refinement and expressive radiance” (Baltimore Sun), Mr. McGill won the 2020 Avery Fisher Prize, one of classical music’s most significant awards given in recognition of soloists who represent the highest level of musical excellence.
Read the article and interview with Mr. McGill HERE.
Visit Anthony McGill’s official website HERE.
Photo of Mr. McGill by © Todd Rosenberg Photography, Chris Lee/New York Philharmonic, and Eric Rudd, at a video/recording session in a barn near Nashville, Indiana.