Ran Kampel

Israeli born clarinetist Ran Kampel is the Principal Clarinet of the Jacksonville Symphony. Prior to his appointment in Jacksonville, he was the Interim Principal Clarinet of the Grand Rapids Symphony and a fellow with the New World Symphony. During his time at New World Symphony, he won the concerto competition and performed the Nielsen Clarinet Concerto with the orchestra on a subscription concert. During the summers, Ran has performed at Salzburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Tanglewood, Yellow Barn, Krzyżowa-Music, Lakes Area, Aspen, Norfolk, Colorado College, Britten–Pears, Sarasota and Breckenridge music festivals.

A believer in bringing classical music to new audiences in an interactive manner, Ran produced a few innovative concerts with the goal of changing the way classical music is experienced. His ״Inside the Music״ concerts at the New World Center gave audiences an opportunity to have a closer look into uncovered territories: the rehearsal process of a chamber group, how artistic decisions are reached, how our instruments produce sound, and how seating arrangements on stage can affect the aural and visual experience of the audience. He utilized technological and visual devices to stimulate the audience and make the music reach all of their sensory receptors. These concerts are available for streaming online for free via MUSAIC - New World Symphony.

A teacher in high demand, Ran has lead masterclasses around the world, including at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Academia Filarmónica de Medellín (AFMED) in Colombia and Givatyim Music Conservatory in Israel.

Ran received degree with high honors from USC Thornton School of Music and the Eastman School of Music. His primary teachers were Yehuda Gilad, Jon Manasse, Andrew Brown and Eva Wasserman-Margolis.

Ran is a Buffet Crampon USA Performing Artist and exclusively plays on Buffet Crampon clarinets. Outside the concert hall, he enjoys cooking, skiing, hiking, playing tennis and soccer.