FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2019
Luis Rossi
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of clarinetist Luis Rossi as visiting professor of music in clarinet, effective Aug. 1, 2019.
In her book “Clarinet Virtuosi of Today,” British clarinet historian Pamela Weston described Rossi as the “only top player in the world performing with instruments of his own design and construction.”
He is the founder and owner of L. Rossi Clarinets, which produces a complete line of renowned clarinets.
Hailed by critics as “a first-class soloist” for his “supple, soaring melodic lines” and “effortless technique” (The Clarinet), Rossi received the Konex Prize in 1989, an honor he shares with fellow Argentines Martha Argerich and Daniel Barenboim. Most recently, he was honored alongside Karl Leister and Charles Neidich by the International ClarinetFest 2018.
“It is with great pleasure that the Woodwinds Department at the Jacobs School of Music welcomes legendary clarinetist and instrument designer Luis Rossi,” said Kathleen McLean, associate professor and chair of the department. “He brings a wealth of expertise on so many levels—as a brilliant clarinetist, a world-class pedagogue and an instrument acoustician.”
Born in Viedma, Argentina, Rossi began his clarinet studies at age 13, studying in Buenos Aires and London, where he was a pupil of John McCaw. Rossi moved to Chile in 1978, where his clarinet workshop and solo career continued to flourish.
Accompanied by the Chile Chamber Orchestra, he has performed the canon of clarinet works throughout Europe and South America. Alongside the Simon Bolivar Symphony in Caracas, he gave the South American premieres of three contemporary clarinet concertos—by John Corigliano, Blas Atehortúa and Adina Izarra, the last two written in dedication to Rossi.
Regularly offering recitals, he has been a featured guest artist and pedagogue at institutions and venues such as Lincoln Center, New England Conservatory’s International Clarinet Connection, Lemmens Institute (Leuven), London’s Royal College of Music, Michigan State University, Indiana University, Western Michigan University, Oberlin College and Ohio State University.
A talented pedagogue, Rossi’s teaching activities in Caracas, Santiago and Buenos Aires have helped to produce an outstanding and unprecedented generation of clarinetists. His six acclaimed solo CDs are available for download.
“It is a great honor to become part of the faculty at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music,” said Rossi. “This is one of the best music schools in the world, and I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues Howard Klug and Eli Eban to train the next generation of top-notch professional clarinetists.”
MEDIA CONTACT
Linda Cajigas
Assistant Director of Communications
IU Jacobs School of Music
812-856-3882 | lcajigas@indiana.edu