About this Artist

RICARDO MORALES joined the Philadelphia Orchestra as principal clarinet in 2003. Prior to this he was principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, a position he assumed at the age of 21. He has also served as principal clarinet of the Florida Symphony. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Morales began his studies at the Escuela Libre de Musica along with his five siblings, who are all distinguished musicians. He continued his studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and Indiana University, where he received his artist diploma.

Morales has been a featured soloist with many orchestras, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and the Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Flemish Radio, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Florida, and Columbus symphonies; he has also appeared on the Metropolitan Museum of Art Concert Series. He made his solo debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2004.

An active chamber musician, Morales has performed in the MET Chamber Ensemble series at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, and the Kennedy Center, on NBC's The Today Show, and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. He is highly sought after for his recitals and master classes, which have taken him throughout North America and Europe. In addition he currently serves on the faculties of the Juilliard School and Temple University.

Morales' debut solo recording, French Portraits, is available on Boston Records. He has joined forces with acoustician and instrument maker Morrie Backun to create MoBa, a company of top-of-the-line clarinet accessories, including mouthpieces, bells, and barrels.

04/07