Patti DiLutis, BPO Clarinetist
Patricia DiLutis began studying clarinet at age 10 in San Antonio, Texas. She received a scholarship to Boston University, studying clarinet under Harold Wright, Kalmen Opperman, and Pasquale Cardillo; however, she credits all her knowledge of the instrument to the late David Weber, principal clarinet of the NBC Symphony Orchestra under Arturo Toscanini. DiLutis has held positions in the San Antonio Symphony, Syracuse Symphony, Austin Sinfonietta, Laredo Philharmonic, and currently the Buffalo Philharmonic. She has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic, Austin Symphony, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Nuevo Laredo Philharmonic and Ensemble Intercontemporain under the direction of David Robertson, at the Round Top Festival in Texas, and toured as principal clarinet of the Bolshoi Ballet Orchestra. You can also hear her in old recordings of the cartoon Smurfs. Patricia has traveled the U.S. and Mexico, giving recitals and master classes, and serving as guest faculty at many colleges and universities, including Trinity University, Ithaca College, and the Eastman School of Music, where she conducted a clarinet ensemble comprised of 21 senior citizens until 2008.