About this Artist

Clarinetist Dr. Stephanie Zelnick enjoys a multi-faceted career as a soloist, orchestral performer, and chamber musician, appearing throughout North America, Asia, South America, and Europe. Performing and teaching in venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Juilliard School, Northwestern University, Yale School of Music, among many others, she has received critical acclaim for her "committed and polished performances." The Clarinet praises her "crystal clear tone and beautifully shaped phrases.” A distinguished educator and scholar, she is the Professor of Clarinet at the University of Kansas: receiving the distinction of the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award in 2021.

She has performed and taught extensively throughout Italy, France, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Finland, Czech Republic, Spain, Costa Rica, Slovakia, Germany, and most recently at festivals in Brazil, Lithuania, Mexico, Serbia, Romania, Wales, Colombia, Canada, England, and Taiwan. She has held principal clarinet positions in Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra, Central City Opera, Johann Strauss Opera in Vienna, Mississippi Symphony, Prague Opera Orchestra, Colorado Ballet, and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, and has appeared with various other orchestras including Colorado Symphony, Prague Chamber Orchestra, Kansas City Symphony, Tallahassee Symphony, and Tucson Symphony.

In addition to broadcasts on Performance Today and other NPR affiliates, Dr. Zelnick’s recordings can be heard on the Innova, Accademia del Clarinetto, and Naxos labels. She has also released two solo albums, Diaspora and Diversions: The Midcentury Clarinet, and a chamber album entitled AdZel with clarinetist Mariam Adam. Her most recent project Wind and Bow, recorded with members of the Kansas City Symphony, features rarely recorded works for clarinet and string quartet. Previous faculty positions include the University of Wyoming and the University of Northern Colorado. She has served on the summer faculties of the Chautauqua Institution, LA Phil YOLA National, Sunflower Music Festival, the Wyoming Festival, and the Rocky Ridge Music Festival. She is a Buffet-Crampon Artist and Clinician.