Andreas’s Austrian artistry

The position of Principal Clarinet of the Berlin Philharmonic is a highly coveted role, one that Andreas Ottensamer has held since 2011.

Born in Vienna, Austria in 1989, Andreas was drawn to music at an early age, beginning piano lessons at age four. By 10 he was studying cello at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, switching to clarinet in 2003.

“Music was present from the first day of my life even before I could realise what was going on. It was just the most natural thing on earth to have music at home, as I had never experienced anything else. And it was the same with the clarinet: this instrument was always around me.” Andreas told Limelight Magazine.

Coming from a family of talented musicians (his father Ernst was Principal Clarinet for the Vienna Philharmonic and brother Daniel their Principal 2nd Clarinet), it was inevitable that in 2005 the trio would form The Clarinotts and release a self-titled album the following year.

While studying for his undergraduate degree at Harvard University, Andreas was invited to become a scholar of the Orchestra Academy of the Berliner Philharmoniker, an offer too good to refuse.

In 2013 he became the first ever solo clarinettist to sign an exclusive recording deal with Deutsche Grammophon, with his second album Brahms – The Hungarian Connection awarded the ECHO KLASSIK as Instrumentalist of the Year.

Showing no sign of slowing down, with orchestral work, concerto, recital and chamber music performances around the world, Andreas has become one of the most in-demand clarinettists on the planet. This year alone Andreas tours the United States, Germany, France, Japan and of course Australia.

Here in Perth, Andreas will make his WASO debut, bringing his sensitive artistry and liquid tone to Mozart’s divine Clarinet Concerto.

Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto
Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May – 7.30pm
Perth Concert Hall

Tickets at https://www.waso.com.au/concerts-tickets/whats-on/concert/Mozarts-clarinet-concerto