Yuan Yuan

Yuan Yuan graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in China and the Amsterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands, studying under distinguished professors Huang Yuanfu, Tao Chunxiao, and Herman Braune. His rigorous training at these prestigious institutions laid a strong foundation for his career as a clarinetist. His academic journey reflects a blend of Chinese and Western musical traditions, equipping him with a versatile and profound understanding of clarinet performance.

Yuan Yuan distinguished himself early on by winning first place and the Chinese Works Award at China’s inaugural Clarinet Competition. He also secured first place and the Chinese Works Award at the China Woodwind Chamber Music Competition. These accolades established him as a leading talent in China’s clarinet community, showcasing his technical prowess and interpretive depth in both solo and chamber music settings.

As a globally recognized clarinetist, Yuan Yuan has served as a judge in numerous prestigious international competitions, including the 17th Tchaikovsky International Music Competition in Russia, the 42nd Belgrade International Music Competition (as jury chairman), the 2nd and 4th Ghent International Clarinet Competitions in Belgium, the Czech Clarinet Artists International Competition, the 2nd and 4th Jacques Lancelot International Clarinet Competitions in Japan, the 2020 Italy International Clarinet Competition, the 2nd Sava Dimitrov International Clarinet Competition in Bulgaria, the Korea Chamber Music Association International Competition, the Hong Kong International Clarinet Competition, the Buffet Crampon China Clarinet Competition (as artistic director), the Shanghai Youth National Clarinet Performance Competition, and the Taiwan BUFFET Asia-Pacific Clarinet Competition. Additionally, he has been invited to give masterclasses and perform solo recitals at renowned institutions and festivals, such as the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, Ghent Conservatory, Sofia Music Academy, Sibelius Academy, Belgrade Music Academy, the International Clarinet Association (ICA) Annual Conferences, the 3rd European Clarinet Festival, the Camerino International Clarinet Festival in Italy, the ICA Annual Conference in Kansas, Boston, the Alexander Music Festival in Germany, and the BUFFET 190th Anniversary Celebration Concert in France, earning widespread acclaim.

Yuan Yuan has made significant contributions to the clarinet profession in China by founding the Central Conservatory of Music International Clarinet Festival, the country’s most prestigious and largest clarinet academic exchange platform, which holds significant international influence. In March 2019, he published an article in the ICA journal titled “The Development of the Clarinet in China through the Central Conservatory of Music International Clarinet Festival in Beijing,” detailing the progress and achievements of China’s clarinet community and fostering global exchange. He is also deeply committed to education, with his students winning numerous awards in major competitions and many becoming professional orchestra musicians and conservatory teachers.

Yuan Yuan is an active performer, regularly holding solo recitals across China, including in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and participating in events such as the Shanghai International Clarinet Festival, Xi’an International Clarinet Festival, Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra International Clarinet Art Week, and Lanzhou International Clarinet Festival, where his performances are warmly received. He is passionate about chamber music and orchestral performance, having served as deputy principal clarinetist of the China Philharmonic Orchestra for thirteen years (2005–2018). His recorded solo albums have garnered critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the clarinet world.