John Kurokawa

John Kurokawa currently performs as Principal Clarinetist of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. The press applauds his “...warmth, communication, and easy virtuosity” (Cincinnati Enquirer) and “truly flawless technique and intonation… a tone as smooth as silk and velvet.” (Kettering-Oakwood Times). He has been a featured soloist with both ensembles, performing the works of Mozart, John Williams, Gerald Finzi, and John Adams. In the summer Kurokawa performs as Principal Clarinetist of the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra's festival, 'Summermusik' and has also performed as guest Eb clarinetist and guest Principal Clarinetist with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and Cincinnati Opera. An avid chamber musician, he gives educational concerts at schools all over the Miami Valley with the Dayton Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet and is a founding member of the Prestige Clarinet Quartet, which has been a featured ensemble at the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, International Clarinet Association Clarinetfest, and many other universities and national symposia.

Kurokawa has performed on the International Double Reed Society Conference, published articles in the Triad, presented at the Ohio Music Education Association Conference and Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and is a highly sought after teacher and clinician, presenting masterclasses and clinics for colleges, high schools, and youth orchestras across the midwest.

He holds the B.M. in woodwind performance (specializing in clarinet, flute, and saxophone) from Bowling Green State University and the M.M. in clarinet performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. His teachers include Angelo Fortini, Edward Marks, and Ronald deKant.

Kurokawa performs exclusively on the Yamaha CSVR Clarinet and Yamaha Custom 881 Eb Clarinet and is a Yamaha Performing Artist.