VIRGIL BLACKWELL

Clarinetist and Bass Clarinetist Virgil Blackwell was a founding member of the new music ensemble Speculum Musicae and a member of the Steve Reich Ensemble from 1976-1986. He has worked closely and collaborated with Elliott Carter since 1971, and Steep Steps, Carter's work for solo bass clarinet, was written for him. Virgil Blackwell has appeared frequently with groups including the MET Chamber Ensemble, the NY Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, NYC Ballet and NYC Opera, and has performed at the Tanglewood, Aspen and The Santa Fe Chamber Music Festivals, among others. His work as a studio musician can be heard on numerous film soundtracks as a featured soloist and sideman. He has recorded for many labels, has been the Executive Producer on discs of Oliver Knussen and Elliott Carter’s music, and was the Executive Producer on the DVD of Carter’s opera, What Next?.