Thomas Wissler, clarinet

From chamber ensembles to cathedral naves to orchestra halls, Thomas Wissler brings a unique sensitivity and love to the clarinet. Beginning the clarinet at age five, Thomas was soon performing Schumann, Benny Goodman, and Bach. He was a youth soloist with the Pennsylvania Academy of Music chamber programs for many seasons and a member of Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra. While studying with Richard Hawkins at Oberlin Conservatory, he performed with Lancaster (PA) Symphony's Endless Mountain Music Festivals and held principal roles at the 2012 Chautauqua Music School Festival Orchestra and 2011 Round Top Festival Institute Orchestra. Currently pursing an M.M. degree with Larry Combs, principal clarinet emeritus of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Thomas serves in principal roles with the DePaul Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cliff Colnot.

In a unique outreach that reconnects classical music with its liturgical roots, Thomas Wissler debuted what was likely the first adaption of Mozart's Church Sonatas for clarinet and organ in an actual church service at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Atlanta. Following enthusiastic reception there and in other engagements in 2013, Thomas is exploring developing and recording this beautiful repertoire in 2014.