My Instrument and Me

Professional musicians typically feel an intimate connection with their instruments. As vehicles for self-expression, musical instruments are like musicians’ voices, and after hours of practice, rehearsal, and performance, an instrument can begin to feel like a natural extension of a musician’s body. These precious works of art often have unique, even dramatic backstories, with mysterious … Continued

Mark & Mozart: Mark Nuccio Plays Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

Principal Clarinet Mark Nuccio makes his solo debut with the Houston Symphony playing Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. In this post he explains what makes this piece such a joy and a challenge to play.  When I was asked which concerto I would like to present as my first to the Houston audience, I chose the Mozart … Continued

Notes from Europe: Mark Nuccio, Principal Clarinet

The Houston Symphony just completed its triumphant 2018 European Tour! Get an insider’s view of the tour when Houston Symphony principal clarinet Mark Nuccio shares his experiences below. March 14 Our first day in Warsaw, Poland started off with an 11 a.m. rehearsal for two hours. We were preparing for the first tour performance of Shostakovich’s Symphony … Continued