In Saturday’s (12/19) Los Angeles Times, David Ng interviews Michele Zukovsky, the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s principal clarinetist, who retired this past Sunday after 54 years with the orchestra. “When Zukovsky joined the orchestra at 18, she lied and said she was 19 to improve her chances of getting in…. She is a gregarious, often effusive presence with few social filters. Her reputation as one of the great orchestral clarinetists in the world doesn’t stop her from cracking jokes about her age. ‘I’m 72, and I don’t look a day over 71!’ she proclaimed during an interview…. Zukovsky said the job of principal clarinetist can be very consuming…. ‘I think I’m lucky—I’m healthy enough to start another life.’ Her new life will include more chamber music, teaching and possibly traveling. [Deborah Borda, the orchestra’s president and CEO] said Zukovsky has ‘the most beautiful sound I have heard emanate from the clarinet. No question. Her tenure is historic, a contribution I don’t believe that can ever be matched.’ Zukovsky is more modest in her self-appraisal. ‘I feel like I did a good job,’ she said. ‘I don’t have anything to prove, and when you don’t have anything to prove, it’s time to move on.’ ”
Posted December 22, 2015
