Yehuda Gilad

Yehuda Gilad is a renowned Professor of Clarinet at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music and a founding member of the Colburn School Conservatory of Music, where he serves as Music Director of the Colburn Orchestra. He balances teaching, conducting, and artistic leadership, emphasizing 'total musicianship.' Born in Israel, he studied at a conservatory before moving to the U.S., training under Giora Feidman, Mitchell Lurie, and Herbert Zipper, and participating in masterclasses with Sergiu Celibidache and Leonard Bernstein.

His academic roles include dual professorships at USC and Colburn, where he leads one of the world’s premier clarinet studios. His students hold positions in over 150 major orchestras globally, including the Cincinnati, Minnesota, and Hong Kong Philharmonics. Gilad has judged major competitions, such as the Carl Nielsen International Clarinet Competition, and received prestigious teaching awards from the White House and USC.

As a conductor, he developed the Colburn Orchestra from a string ensemble into a full symphony, and led ensembles like the Santa Monica Symphony and Colonial Symphony, earning recognition for imaginative programming and championing contemporary works. He founded the Yoav Chamber Ensemble and Colburn Woodwind Chamber Players, touring internationally and recording for the Orion label. Gilad’s global influence extends through masterclasses at festivals like Marlboro and Santa Barbara’s Music Academy of the West.

His artistic contributions have been honored with awards, including the Distinguished Arts Organization Award for the Colonial Symphony (1995–1996) and critical acclaim for his innovative concert programming.