This is
My story
I could immediately recognize his enthusiasm and talent, together with his sensitive musicality. His interest and commitment in music demonstrates a sincere dedication and love for it.
Simone Fontanelli – composer
Soloist
The clarinetist made his solo debut in the United States in 2015, performing Frank Ticheli’s Clarinet Concerto with wind orchestra. The American experience had a profound impact on him, and he now returns to American soil annually with great enthusiasm to perform.
His most recent appearance took place in May 2024 at Bing Hall (Stanford University, CA).
Europe also holds a special place in his heart; as a guest at award ceremonies and festivals, he has performed in prestigious venues such as the “Salzburger Festspiele,” the “Teatro Alla Pergola” in Florence, and the “Teatro del Verme” in Milan. While deeply passionate about the classical repertoire of his instrument, he constantly seeks new influences and compositions to perform with orchestras or small ensembles.
Chamber Music
Chamber music, understood as an event where a small group of musicians collaborate closely, rather than the broader ability of a musician to establish musical synergy with colleagues in any artistic field, plays a significant role in his artistic journey. The artist fondly recalls collaborations with esteemed musicians such as Matic Kuder (Berliner Philharmoniker), Katia and Marielle Labèque (photo), Andreas Schablas (Bayerische Staatsoper München), Giovanni Gnocchi, and Menjie Han.
Orchestra
Work in the orchestra, which for the artist is to be understood as “expanded chamber music,” has been a central theme since the very beginning of his career. Fascinated by the great orchestral repertoire, particularly the classical and romantic repertoire, he debuted with the Italian National Youth Orchestra, later joining the prestigious Accademia alla Scala in Milan, and subsequently becoming part of the Philharmonie Salzburg. Currently, alongside his solo projects and teaching activities, he collaborates with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the city of Kiel in Germany.
Teaching
Teaching has always been a natural and spontaneous aspect of the artist’s character. This has led to his expertise being sought after by conservatories, universities, and prestigious institutions. At just 27 years old, he was invited to Stanford University in California as a guest teacher.
This year, the artist is also celebrating the fifth edition of his online MasterClass, “Let’s Get Ready,” which each year helps students from around the world prepare for auditions and competitions (more details available on the dedicated page).
Studies
After beginning his studies in Italy at the F. Morlacchi Conservatory and later at the G. Verdi Conservatory in Milan, the then 20-year-old clarinetist was admitted to the prestigious Mozarteum University in Salzburg, joining the class of Andreas Schablas, principal clarinetist of the Bayerische Staatsorchester in Munich. With great gratitude towards his teacher, he decided after four years to continue his studies in the class of Wenzel Fuchs, principal clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic.
To further refine his craft, the artist has participated in masterclasses with some of the most renowned clarinetists on the international scene, including Fabrizio Meloni, Alessandro Carbonare, Karl Leister, Pascal Moragues, Mate Bekavac, Giovanni Punzi, and Kilian Herold.
