Alberto Culmone is the principal clarinetist of Basel Symphony Orchestra. He began his professional
career at the age of 20 as principal clarinetist of Bern Symphony Orchestra.
As a sought-after guest musician, he is regularly
invited to perform as principal clarinetist with renowned orchestras, including the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, the Festival Strings
Lucerne, and Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.
These engagements have taken him to some of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, such as Suntory Hall in Tokyo, the Seoul Arts Center,
Wiener Musikverein, Prague’s Rudolfinum, KKL Lucerne, and Teatro Real in Madrid.
In parallel with his orchestral career, he was appointed lecturer in orchestral studies at the Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) at the age of 25, making him one of the youngest musicians to hold such a position.
A central component of his artistic work is pedagogy. His teaching spans all levels of training—from basic
instruction to targeted preparation for a professional
orchestral career. In addition to his work at the ZHdK, he is regularly invited by international institutions and festivals both within and outside Switzerland to give master classes and mentor young musicians.
Born in Palermo, Culmone began his musical training early under his father’s guidance. He completed his studies at the Conservatory in Palermo,
where he earned a master’s degree in clarinet with distinction (cum laude) and special mention. His artistic development was further shaped by his participation in international academies such as Ticino Musica, the Musica Riva Festival, and the Académie Musicale de Villecroze.
In addition to his orchestral and teaching activities, Culmone is also active as a soloist and chamber musician. He has won over 20 international competitions throughout
Europe, leading to numerous engagements as a soloist with orchestras as well as in various chamber music ensembles.