Bass clarinet

Craig Wernicke: Principal Bass Clarinet

Craig Wernicke was born in Melbourne and studied clarinet with former Melbourne Symphony Orchestra principal clarinettist Isobel Carter. He moved to Sydney in 1981 to take up a scholarship with the ABC Sinfonia and to study with former Sydney Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinet Alan Vivian. His first foray into bass clarinet performance soon followed, working with the Sydney Elizabethan Trust Orchestra.

In 1984 Craig Wernicke was successful in auditions for positions with three orchestras: as Principal Clarinet with the Melbourne Trust, and Bass Clarinet with both the Adelaide and Sydney Symphony orchestras. He chose to accept the Sydney appointment and has performed as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Bass Clarinet ever since.

Craig Wernicke has performed with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, contemporary music ensemble the Seymour Group and various Sydney University groups. He has also performed with the Chamber Soloists of Sydney, an ensemble comprised of members of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra.