"There's an uncharted sphere of emotional and sonic possibilities that the clarinet can explore," says Yuhsin Galaxy Su, one of the newest appointees. Su's career is distinguished by high-profile performances and awards showcasing her outstanding talent and artistic vision. Her accomplishments include winning the prestigious San Francisco Second Clarinet Audition in 2024 and performing as principal clarinet for the Colburn Symphony Orchestra and the Taiwan Connection Symphony Orchestra.
Being included as second clarinet in the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra is a personal achievement for Su and an essential moment for her instrument. In a field dominated by traditional orchestral positions, Su is reinventing what it means to be a clarinetist in modern music. Her approach to the clarinet is anything but conventional.
"The clarinet has always been seen primarily as an orchestral instrument," she explains. "But its range, dynamic contrasts, and ability to convey deep emotion also make it a powerful solo instrument." This perspective has driven her to push the boundaries of the clarinet's role in ways that have captivated audiences and even critics.
Her solo performances shed light on the clarinet's versatility, and she does this through technical expertise and deeply emotional experiences. Su's 2014 performance of André Messager's "Solo de Concours" at the Morningside Music Bridge in Canada was praised for its expressive depth and dynamic contrasts, raising the bar for solo c.