The New York Philharmonic

Update Browser

Pages don't look right?

You are using a browser that does not support the technology used on our website.

Please select a different browser or use your phone or tablet to access our site.

Download: Firefox | Chrome | Safari | Microsoft Edge

Note that Internet Explorer is no longer supported as of June 15, 2022.

Biography
Amy Zoloto
Bass clarinetist Amy Zoloto joined the New York Philharmonic in June 2016. Previously, she was the bass clarinet / utility clarinet of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (2014–16), played as a substitute with the New York Philharmonic (2009–14), and was a member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.

Amy Zoloto has performed and toured with The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Metropolitan Opera, New York City Opera, Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, and American Symphony Orchestra. She has participated in the Bard Music Festival, Colorado Music Festival, and Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan.

As a chamber musician, Ms. Zoloto has appeared in New York Philharmonic Ensembles chamber series, was a member of the Sylvan Winds, and toured Europe with the Jeunesse Musicale Wind Quintet. As a teacher, she has conducted master classes at the Manhattan School of Music, coached the New York Youth Symphony, and was an adjunct professor at University of Florida.

A Chicago native, Ms. Zoloto is a graduate of DePaul University, where she studied with Larry Combs, retired principal clarinet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and performed for two years with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. She completed further studies with Frank Kowalsky. She is a Buffet Crampon USA performing artist.

“I love the sound and timbre of the bass clarinet and of low-sounding instruments in general. Composers often use the bass clarinet for very special moments in their music”

Q&A with Amy Zoloto

The Facts: Born in Chicago, Illinois. Graduate of DePaul University. Prior to the Philharmonic: bass clarinet / utility clarinet of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, substitute with the New York Philharmonic, and member of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. At the Philharmonic: Joined June 2016.

What was the first piece of music you fell in love with? My mom had a tape in the car that I wanted to hear over and over, with Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic playing Rimsky- Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnole and Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio italien. It was so exciting.

Why did you choose the clarinet? My brothers both played saxophone and they convinced me I would go on cool band trips, so when I was ten I picked the “sister” instrument.

What do you love about the bass clarinet? I love the sound and timbre of the bass clarinet and of low-sounding instruments in general. Composers often use the bass clarinet for very special moments in their music, like the first movement of Mahler’s Sixth Symphony.

When did you know that you wanted to be a professional musician? I was in the Chicago Youth Orchestra in high school and remember that wonderful feeling of playing beautiful music as part of a team. I was hooked.

Other than practicing, what activities did you do in high school? I was in show choir, which involved dancing and singing.

Most inspiring composers? Mahler, Stravinsky, and Prokofiev all wrote beautifully for my instrument.

What are you looking forward to in the Philharmonic’s 2018–19 season? A number of major works that have big bass clarinet parts, like Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 7, Leningrad

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? As musicians often have to move to go where the work is, I was told to “bloom where you are planted.”

What do you do in your free time? I love to do yoga, read, and watch my fiveyear- old daughter discover the world.

What are you reading right now? Counting Backwards: A Doctor’s Notes on Anesthesia by Henry Jay Przybylo, a pediatric anesthesiologist — I heard his compelling interview on NPR’s Fresh Air.

What’s one thing about you that may surprise people to learn? I recently started Tae Kwon Do again after earning a purple belt in college. But I’m careful with my hands!

As of April 2018

Upcoming 2022-2023 Performances
×

Location: (Directions)
Price Range:
Duration:

No upcoming solo or chamber events.

×

Purchase 3 or more eligible concerts & save.

About Create Your Own Series:

Pick three (or more) concerts and and enjoy exclusive Subscriber Benefits including unlimited free ticket exchange. Ideal for concertgoers who want the ultimate in flexibility and the benefits of being a subscriber.

Subscriber Benefits:

  • Free, easy ticket exchange (available online or by phone)
  • Save on subscription concerts all year long
  • Priority notice on special events

How it Works:

  1. Look for the Create Your Own Series icon CYO eligible icon next to a concert and add it to your cart.
  2. Simply follow the directions in the shopping cart and enter promo code CREATE3 at check out.
Upcoming 2023-2024 Performances
×

Location: (Directions)
Price Range:
Duration:

No upcoming solo or chamber events.

×

Purchase 3 or more eligible concerts & save.

About Create Your Own Series:

Pick three (or more) concerts and and enjoy exclusive Subscriber Benefits including unlimited free ticket exchange. Ideal for concertgoers who want the ultimate in flexibility and the benefits of being a subscriber.

Subscriber Benefits:

  • Free, easy ticket exchange (available online or by phone)
  • Save on subscription concerts all year long
  • Priority notice on special events

How it Works:

  1. Look for the Create Your Own Series icon CYO eligible icon next to a concert and add it to your cart.
  2. Simply follow the directions in the shopping cart and enter promo code CREATE3 at check out.