Simon G. Bakos on the Latest Episode of WHYY's "On Stage at Curtis"
The award-winning clarinetist from Ohio discusses his early training and unwavering pursuit of a classical music career
“One of the most rewarding things about being a classical musician is that I get to do what I love every day, and I feel very privileged to do that.” —Simon Bakos
Season 18 of WHYY’s acclaimed On Stage at Curtis series continues with a portrait of clarinetist Simon G. Bakos. The Mason, Ohio native entered Curtis in 2020 and studies with Anthony McGill, principal clarinet of the New York Philharmonic, as the Ruth and Eugene Helmer Fellow. He also studies with Paul Demers, bass clarinetist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Bakos began playing the clarinet in fourth grade after joining the elementary school band program and was inspired to follow a path as a classical musician from an early age after hearing a recording of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11 in G minor, Op. 103.
Uncertain about the success rate of becoming a professional clarinetist, Mr. Bakos briefly entertained the idea of becoming a dentist until his junior year in high school, when his parents prompted him to continue pursuing his dream, ultimately leading him to audition for Curtis. Here, he encountered a warm, supportive environment surrounded by inspiring musicians of the highest caliber.
Click HERE to watch the On Stage at Curtis episode, or click the video below.
Performances in the episode include Franz Schubert’s Die Hirt auf dem Felsen, D. 965 with soprano Juliet Rand and pianist Ting Ting Wong, and Johannes Brahms’s Trio in A minor, Op. 114, featuring cellist Ania Lewis and pianist Nachuan Tao.
Prior to entering Curtis, he studied with Ronald Aufmann, bass clarinetist of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Bakos has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, and New World Symphony. He is currently the second clarinetist of Symphony in C and has also held fellowships at the Aspen Music Festival and Tanglewood Music Center. In 2019, he was the winner of the Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Awards. After completing his Curtis studies, he looks to have a career as an orchestral musician and establish a private teaching studio or as part of a university or conservatory.
Mr. Bakos was also interviewed for a recent Curtis Student Spotlight feature. He shares distinct memories of visiting the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, exploring all kinds of instruments in his childhood, the intensity of playing chamber music, and his greatest inspirations. Watch the video HERE.
Photos of Simon G. Bakos courtesy of Nichole MCH Photography. Photo of Simon Bakos, Tzu Yi Yu, and Hwaseop Jeong backstage at Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, courtesy of David DeBalko.