Praised for his “wide range of tonal shadings and expressive nuances” (Michael Butterman, Boulder Philharmonic) and “uncanny technical ability” (Tom Wilson, Colorado Springs Philharmonic), Ian Buckpan is poised to be one of the leading clarinetists of his generation. Ian has received 1st place in numerous Young Artist competitions including the Denver Young Artist Orchestra’s ’08, Arapahoe Philharmonic’s ‘08, Boulder Philharmonic’s ’07, Rocky Ridge Music Camp ’05, Plymouth Congregational Church Music Contest ‘03, and Colorado Flute Association’s Concerto Contest ’05. He has been named a Yamaha Young Performing Artist and was their Overall Winner at their 2009 Summer Symposium Concert. He is on the Young Musicians of Colorado’s roster of young artists, capturing their Top Performer prize for the Non-Piano, College Division in ‘08. He has received 2nd place in Aurora Symphony’s Concerto Competition and Jefferson Symphony’s Young Artist Competition, Honorable Mention in Missoula Symphony Association’s National Young Artist Competition, and was a Finalist in both CU-Boulder’s Honors Competition as well as Astral Artists National Auditions.
Ian has appeared as the featured soloist with such orchestras as the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs, the Boulder Philharmonic, the Arapahoe Philharmonic, and the Rocky Ridge Music Camp Orchestra is Estes Park, Colorado. He has also appeared with the Denver Young Artist Orchestra where he was hailed as a “solid performer and outstanding musician” (Robin McNeil, YourHub.com).
Ian has extensive orchestral experience as well. He is currently Associate Principal and Eb clarinet of the Colorado Springs Philharmonic and has appeared with the Longmont Symphony, the Boulder Chamber Orchestra, the Colorado Mahlerfest Orchestra, CU Opera, CU Light Opera, and the University of Colorado Symphony Orchestra. He has participated with the Denver Young Artist Orchestra for four seasons (DYAO), joining them on there ’03 tour of Austria and Hungary as well as their ’07 tour of Argentina.
He has also participated in DYAO’s chamber music program, The Young Chamber Players (YCP), with such coaches as Barbara Hamilton, Paul Primus, Dan Knopff and Tamara Goldstein. He has recorded the Beethoven Trio Op. 11 and the Brahms Clarinet Quintet with the YCP at KVOD Classic Music Radio recording studio.
His major teachers include Daniel Silver, Peter Cooper, Marlena Burghardt, and Jim Travis. He has earned a Bachelors Degree of Music at the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with Highest Honors and received such accolades as the Presser Award, Oustanding Junior and Oustanding Graduating Senior.
