Alberto Culmone

Alberto Culmone is Principal Clarinet of the Sinfonieorchester Basel, Switzerland. He began his professional career at the age of 20 as Principal Clarinet of the Berner Symphonieorchester.

He is regularly invited to perform as guest principal with orchestras such as the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, Festival Strings Lucerne, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, among others. These engagements have brought him to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including Suntory Hall in Tokyo, the Seoul Arts Center, the Musikverein in Vienna, the Rudolfinum in Prague, the KKL Lucerne, and the Teatro Real in Madrid.

At just 25 years old, alongside his orchestral career, he was appointed Professor of Orchestral Studies at the prestigious Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (ZHdK) in Zurich — making him one of the youngest musicians ever to hold such a position. He is also actively involved in music education, regularly giving masterclasses throughout Europe.

Born in Palermo, Culmone began studying music at an early age under the guidance of his father. He completed his formal education at the Conservatory of Music in Palermo, earning a master’s degree in clarinet performance with top honors (cum laude) and an honorable mention. His artistic development was further enriched by attending renowned international academies such as Ticino Musica, Musica Riva Festival, the Académie Musicale de Villecroze and others. Furthermore he is frequently invited by leading music festivals—such as the Dvořák Prague Festival, Beethovenfest Bonn, Rheingau Musik Festival, Festival de Música y Danza de Granada, and the Yunnan Anning Music Festival —where he performes as an orchestral musician and soloist, as well as participated as a teacher giving masterclass.

Beyond his orchestral and academic activities, Culmone has also distinguished himself as a soloist and chamber musician. He has won over 20 international competitions across Europe, which have led to numerous performances as a soloist with orchestras and in various chamber music formations — making him one of the most decorated clarinetists of his generation.