About
Adelaide-born clarinettist Lewis Blanchard has been captivated by the clarinet’s expressive capabilities since the age of eight. He completed his Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium under the tutelage of clarinettist and composer Paul Dean, and did his Honours at the University of Melbourne, studying with David Thomas, Principal Clarinet of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. He received multiple scholarships from both universities, most recently the Elizabeth Grace Woodwind Prize.
Lewis has been principal clarinet of the Adelaide, Queensland, and Australian Youth Orchestras, and has performed with AYO’s Momentum Ensemble. He has also performed casually with the Adelaide, Melbourne and Queensland Symphony Orchestras.
Notable performances include a tour of Germany, Vienna, and Singapore with the Queensland Youth Symphony in 2023, where he was featured as soloist for Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. In 2021, Lewis performed a solo recital with internationally acclaimed pianist Konstantin Shamray. He has also participated in masterclasses with Phillipe Cuper, Antonio Saiote, Boris Allakhverdyan and Yehuda Gilad.
In his spare time, Lewis loves an occasional hit of tennis and playing card games with his grandparents.
Photographer: Lisa Maree Williams
Australian Youth Orchestra
