Michael Rusinek

Michael Rusinek serves as Adjunct Lecturer in Clarinet and Performance at DePaul University School of Music while holding the position of Principal Clarinetist with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra since 1998. He maintains concurrent faculty appointments at Carnegie Mellon University, The Curtis Institute of Music, and the Aspen Music Festival and School.

His educational foundation includes early studies at Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music under Avrahm Galper followed by advanced training at the Curtis Institute of Music with Donald Montanaro. After graduating from Curtis, he served as assistant principal clarinet with the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C.

As a performer, Rusinek holds principal clarinet positions with the orchestras of Philadelphia, St. Louis, The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and The National Arts Center in Ottawa. His international solo career features concerto appearances with the Czech Philharmonic, Toronto Symphony, and Belgrade Philharmonic, including the 2008 premiere of Alan Fletcher's concerto commissioned by the Pittsburgh Symphony. His artistic activities span major festivals including Marlboro, Grand Teton, and Santa Fe Chamber Music, alongside tours with 'Musicians from Marlboro' documented on Sony recordings.

Rusinek's educational impact extends through master classes at the Colburn School, Manhattan School of Music, and conservatories across Toronto, Paris, and major Chinese cities. He regularly participates in the New World Symphony and Canton International Summer Music Academy, while serving on competition juries including the Jacques Lancelot International Clarinet Competition.