Anthony McGill (Clarinet '00) Named Musical America's Instrumentalist of the Year

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 named Musical America‘s Instrumentalist of the Year. 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.

Mr. McGill is honored alongside Norwegian soprano Lise Davidsen, composer Kevin Puts, conductor Sir Antonio Pappano, and award-winning Philadelphia-based ensemble The Crossing as recipients of the 63rd Annual Musical America Awards.

In a phone interview, Mr. McGill, who previously served as the principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera and associate principal clarinet of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, talked to Musical America about access to the arts and the enjoyment he receives from working with young musicians.

“A lot of these diversity initiatives will only have an effect when people understand why we should care about them in the first place,” he said. “It’s not about numbers. It’s about humanity and empathy and connection.”

Read the article and interview with Mr. McGill HERE and learn more about all the 2024 award winners HERE.

Visit Anthony McGill’s official website HERE.

Photos of Mr. McGill by © Todd Rosenberg Photography.