Yuhsin Galaxy Su says: “The clarinet is my voice. I hope that I can convey more beauty and emotion to the audience.”
“Music is about creating an emotional and narrative soundscape, not just playing notes and rhythms,” says Yuhsin Galaxy Su, recently selected as second clarinet with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Her words underscore her unique approach to the clarinet, an instrument often overshadowed by others in the orchestra.
With her amazing technique, major roles, and numerous awards, Su is leading a renaissance of the clarinet in classical music and changing people’s perceptions of the instrument.
Yuhsin Galaxy Su was born with a natural musical talent and a great ear for pitch. As a child, she practiced and performed hard and it paid off in the long run. She fell in love with the soft, soothing sound of the clarinet, which sparked her curiosity to push the limits of the instrument and turned it into a lifelong passion.
While her formal music training gave her a solid foundation, it was her desire to continually improve that set her apart. Her ability to highlight the clarinet’s wide range of sounds and tones has helped transform her from an often overlooked instrument into a powerful soloist.
In 2014, Su’s interpretation of André Messager’s Solo de Concours at the Morningside Music Bridge underlined the emotional and technical depth of the clarinet. This performance was a major turning point and brought international recognition to both the instrument and Su himself.
In 2022, her interpretation of Gershwin’s Three Preludes in Taiwan further increased her reputation. Blending jazz with classical styles, Yuhsin Galaxy Su offered a fresh interpretation of the piece and wowed audiences with her new approach.
Su is also proficient on the less common Eb clarinet, a higher-pitched instrument that presents unique challenges. Her skills with the Eb clarinet have broadened her repertoire and esteem, demonstrating her remarkable talent and versatility.
In 2017, Su’s performance of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé at the Helsinki Music Centre was a career highlight. Her flawless execution of the delicate, high sections on the E-flat clarinet showcased the instrument’s unique capabilities and delighted audiences and critics alike. This was followed by an equally impressive performance of Strauss’ Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40 at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music.
Su’s career continues to grow. Her recent role as second clarinetist with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra marks the beginning of an exciting new phase. In this position, Su will continue to demonstrate the versatility of the clarinet and introduce even more people to her innovative techniques and exciting performances.
As digital platforms grow and live performances become possible again after the pandemic, artists like Yuhsin Galaxy Su will play a key role in shaping the future of music. “Every performance is a chance to tell a story and share a part of my soul with the audience,” says Su. “The clarinet is my voice. Through it, I hope to convey more beauty and emotion to the audience.”
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