Program and Artist Biography

Ricardo Morales was appointed principal clarinet of The Philadelphia Orchestra by Wolfgang Sawallisch in 2002 and joined the orchestra in 2003.  He was previously principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, a position he assumed at age 21 under the direction of James Levine. He has also served as principal clarinet of the Florida Symphony.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Mr. Morales began his studies at the Escuela Libre de Musica along with his five siblings, who are all distinguished musicians.  He continued his studies at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and earned an Artist Diploma from Indiana University. He has been a featured soloist with many orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony, the Cincinnati Symphony, and at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Concert Series.  During his tenure with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Mr. Morales soloed under the baton of James Levine in Carnegie Hall and on two European tours.

An active chamber musician, Mr. Morales has performed in the MET Chamber Ensemble series at Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall with James Levine at the piano, at the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, the Saratoga Chamber Music Festival, the Kennedy Center, on NBC's Today show, and with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.  Mr. Morales is highly sought after for his recitals and master classes, which have taken him throughout North America and Europe. He currently serves on the faculties of the Juilliard School and Temple University.

Mr. Morales's performances can be seen and heard on numerous televised and radio broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera Live from Lincoln Center series.  His debut solo recording, French Portraits, is available on the Boston Records label.