Originally published in The Clarinet 52/1 (December 2024).

Copies of The Clarinet are available for ICA members.

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CLARINETFEST® 2024 REPORT

by Sarah Lucas-Page, ICA Intern

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EVERY CLARINETIST IS CONNECTED

ClarinetFest® 2024 in Dublin, Ireland, was a spectacular conference, filled with amazing performances, lectures, collaborations, and other events. I heard from many participants that it was one of the best ICA conferences they had ever attended. Thanks to our artistic directors, Sarah Watts, Peter Cigleris, and Jason Alder; they helped stay true to the conference theme, “Every Clarinetist is Connected” and created a positive and inclusive atmosphere that made this conference unforgettable.

The conference was hosted at the beautiful Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) where the ICA and CCD staff welcomed over 1400 attendees. There were sessions and events for every kind of clarinetist, including fantastic performances and lecture recitals. Each day there were multiple headlining artist concerts: ClarinetFest® at Noon, ClarinetFest® at 5 (or 4), and the evening concerts. The first evening headliner concert with the British Clarinet Ensemble featured multiple fantastic soloists; Anne Harper (Ireland), Berginald Rash (Ireland), William Curran (Ireland), Lara Diaz (Spain), Mark O’Brien (UK), Anna Hashimoto (UK), and Nicolas Baldeyrou (France). Thursday’s evening concert was an extraordinary event with funk and traditional Irish music. JFUNK (USA) rocked the house with their original songs and the incredible blend of wind and electric instruments. Andy Lamy (Ireland) and friends brought traditional Irish pub music to the stage and gave it a classical fusion! So many participants were blown away that his jam session the next day was packed with participants.

A conference highlight for many was the appearance by Dr. Claire Annette (Vince Dominguez), who presented a memorable performance while sharing the story of how the art of drag inspired their new form of musical artistry. Friday night we were up dancing with Michael Lowenstern and Arun Ghosh! They both performed amazing concerts with funky beats and spectacular improvisations. The last evening concert brought together ConTempo String Quartet from Ireland and four clarinet soloists from different countries, Shannon Kiewitt (USA), Manuel Hernandez (Mexico), Selin Gürol (Turkey), and John Finucane (Ireland). It was an incredible experience to hear these varied styles of playing and compositions.

The ICA committees put together great events and presentations like the Enthusiasts Committee premiere of Kristen Denny-Chambers’ new clarinet solo Friendship. The Health and Wellness committee presented about performance anxiety and held fitness classes at Spencer Dock Park before the conference started each day. The DEIA committee gave a presentation on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and what it means to us as a clarinet community. It was met with participants sharing personal experiences and fostering a safe environment for personal and group growth. The DEIA committee also helped create the first Accessibility Guide for this year’s conference and advocated for the quiet space which was available to those needing a break from the bustling events and exhibit halls.

ClarinetFest® would not be possible without the support from our generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors were:

Sustaining Sponsor
Buffet Crampon Paris

Altissimo Sponsors
Backun Musical Services
Chedeville
D’Addario
F. Arthur Uebel Germany
Henri Selmer Paris
Rovner Products
Vandoren

Clarion Sponsors
Arpeges IMD
Gardner Clarinets
Legere Reeds LtdTr

Chalumeau Sponsors
ALRY Publications
Schmitt Music Clarinet Gallery

Supporting Sponsors
B. Corbin Clarinet Products
Billaudot Publishing
Fáilte Ireland
Moe-Bleichner Music Distribution
Patricola Fratelli
Ripa Music Italy
Silverstein Works
Visit Dublin
Zac Ligature

Even though this was only my third ClarinetFest®, I walked away feeling more inspired and energized about clarinet, music, and the clarinet community, and I know many felt the same way. My time as the ICA intern helped me get to know many ICA members, meeting countless amazing clarinetists and clarinet enthusiasts. I know that the Low Clarinet Festival 2025, in Glendale, Arizona, and ClarinetFest® 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as many ICA events to come, will continue to foster the positive and inclusive atmosphere that brings together clarinetists from around the world to celebrate the instrument we love.

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