Robin Black

Clarinetist Robin Black has participated in numerous premiere performances in solo, chamber, orchestral, and wind band settings. These include the Canadian Premiere of Phillip Warren’s "Two Pieces for Solo Clarinet" and the world premiere of Josh Sung’s "The Unconquerable Mind" with the KPU Wind Symphony. He also commissioned and performed two new Canadian duo works for flute and clarinet in 2018: "Summer Festival" by Benjamin W. Northgraves, and "Freedom Awakening" by Raeann Fuller. More recently, Robin participated in the world premiere of Grey Zander’s "An Unfolding Voice" for clarinet and string quintet, and Josh Sung's "Story Mode" with the Vancouver Pops Orchestra.

As a soloist and collaborative musician, Robin has won numerous awards including 1st place in solo woodwind, 1st place in chamber music, and “Most Outstanding Performance” at the 2019 Performing Arts BC Festival. Subsequently, he went on to win 1st place in solo woodwind at the 2019 FCMF National Music Festival, as well as 2nd place in chamber music with Trio Müvészeti.

Robin has performed a wide selection of solo clarinet repertoire, both accompanied and unaccompanied, with concertos ranging from Mozart to Nielsen. He has also performed multiple times internationally at the Trinity Concert Series in Point Roberts, WA, USA. More recently, Robin performed "A Tribute To Benny Goodman" as guest soloist with the Delta Music Makers at the 2023 Ladner Bandfest.

Mr. Black is also a seasoned orchestral musician. He has performed as principal clarinet with the Richmond Delta Youth Orchestra, Langley District Honor Orchestra, Chilliwack Metropolitan Orchestra, and Vancouver Pops Orchestra. He also has extensive experience with wind bands, including the KPU Wind Symphony, where he was featured as a soloist in March 2019 with Phillip Sparke’s "Clarinet Concerto."

Robin holds a Bachelor of Music in Musical Arts degree from KPU, where he studied under Robert Sheffield with a focus on performance. He has previously studied clarinet with Francois Houle, and Stephen Robb. Chamber music coaches include Jane Hayes (piano), Paolo Bortolussi (flute), and Lucy Williams (oboe).