“Creating an emotional and narrative soundscape is what music is all about, not just merely playing notes and rhythms,” says Yuhsin Galaxy Su, who was recently chosen to play the second clarinet with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. Her words highlight her unique approach to the clarinet, an instrument often overshadowed by others in the orchestra.
With her amazing technique, important roles, and many awards, Su is leading a revival of the clarinet in classical music and changing how people see the instrument.
Yuhsin Galaxy Su was born with a natural musical talent and a great ear for pitch. As a child, she put in a lot of hard work practicing and performing, which paid off in the long run. She fell in love with the clarinet’s soft, soothing sound, which sparked her curiosity to push the instrument’s limits, turning it into a lifelong passion.
While her formal music training gave her a strong base, it was her desire to keep improving that made her stand out. Her ability to show off the clarinet’s wide range of sounds and tones has helped turn it from an often-overlooked instrument to a powerful soloist in its own right.
In 2014, at the Morningside Music Bridge, Su’s performance of André Messager’s Solo de Concours highlighted the emotional and technical depth of the clarinet. This performance was a major turning point, bringing both the instrument and Su herself international recognition.
In 2022, her take on Gershwin’s Three Preludes in Taiwan boosted her reputation even further. By blending jazz with classical styles, Yuhsin Galaxy Su offered a fresh take on the piece and wowed audiences with her new approach.
Su has also mastered the less common Eb clarinet, an instrument with a higher pitch that brings unique challenges. Her skill with the Eb clarinet has broadened its repertoire and appreciation, proving her remarkable talent and versatility.
In 2017, Su’s performance of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé at the Helsinki Music Centre was a highlight of her career. Her flawless execution of the delicate, high-pitched sections on the Eb clarinet showed the instrument’s unique abilities, delighting both audiences and critics. This was followed by an equally impressive performance of Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben, Op. 40 at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music.
Su’s career continues to grow. Her recent role as second clarinet with the San Francisco Symphony marks the start of an exciting new phase. In this position, Su will keep showcasing the clarinet’s versatility, introducing her innovative techniques and exciting performances to even more people.
As digital platforms grow and live performances return after the pandemic, artists like Yuhsin Galaxy Su will play a key role in shaping the future of music. “Every performance is a chance to tell a story and share a part of my soul with the audience,” Su says. “The clarinet is my voice. Through it, I hope to bring more beauty and emotion to the public.”
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