Praised by critics as a “sound wizard” (Rheinische Post), “extraordinary musician” (Scherzo) and for his “total control of the instrument’s sound” and “technical perfection and enviable aesthetic sensitivity” (Público), Portuguese clarinettist Horácio Ferreira performs internationally as a concert soloist, chamber musician and recitalist. Named “Rising Star” by the European Concert Hall Organisation (ECHO), he has played in prestigious venues including the Philharmonie de Paris, Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Musikverein in Vienna, and Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg.
Ferreira was Young Musician of the Year and the first clarinettist to win both junior and senior divisions of the Prémio Jovens Músicos Competition in 2014. He won prizes at the Concours Debussy in Paris, Prague Spring International Music Competition and Estoril Interpretation Competition, and was winner of the J Pakalnis International Competition in Vilnius, Terras de La Salette Competition and the “AGEAS New Talents Award” in Oporto. He received the Medal of Merit from the Municipality of Santa Comba Dão and was a fellow of the Gulbenkian Foundation.
Ferreira’s international career has seen him tour Europe, China, Brazil, the USA, Dubai and Israel, appearing as soloist with Czech Philharmonic, Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Gulbenkian Orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, Portuguese Symphony Orchestra, Israel Chamber Orchestra, Athens State Orchestra, Orquestra XXI and Portuguese Symphony Wind Orchestra, among others. He is Founder of the Art’Ventus Quintet and member of the ars ad hoc ensemble, exploring different possibilities in chamber music.
Ferreira is a Vandoren Artist and has been an Artistic Advisor for the Marvão International Music Festival since 2018.
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