Zephyr Clarinet Choir

The Zephyr Clarinet Choir (ZCC) is a Portland area community-based non-profit organization dedicated to the love of clarinet ensemble music.  Founded in 2017, ZCC performs free concerts throughout the Portland Metro area.

ZCC is led by Dr. Barbara Heilmair, who has been the Music Director and conductor since its inception.  Alex Christy is Associate Director. ZCC is comprised of clarinet lovers from all walks of life: university students, teachers,  alumni, band conductors, businessmen and women, and retired professional players. 

For the past three years ZCC has performed on the Arlene Schnitzer mezzanine balcony as part of the Oregon Symphony Prelude Performance Series. In 2019, the ensemble participated in the "Colossal Clarinet Choir" as part of Chamber Music Northwest's Clarinet Celebration.  ZCC was invited by the International Clarinet Association to participate in the ClarinetFest held in Reno, NV in 2022. 

ZCC's concert recordings have been featured on All Classical Radio’s "Played in Oregon" show.  Portland State University's Lincoln Performance Hall and the Tigard United Methodist Church are homes to ensemble performances.

ZCC plays original compositions and well known music, from Mozart to Mancini to Gordon Jacob, arranged in a variety of styles.  Composer and arranger in residence, John Gibson, wrote and arranged many of the works in ZCC's repertoire.  Nicole Buetti, a Portland-based composer, and bassoonist, wrote "Clarinet Masquerade Waltz" for the ensemble, which the ZCC premiered in 2019.   Juan Castaneda recently joined ZCC and composed "Don Antonio," a world premiere, performed by ZCC in November 2024.  The ensemble frequently plays arrangements by Armin Suppan, Matt Johnston, and Karl Edelmann to name a few.

The Zephyr Clarinet Choir is an ensemble of clarinetists who are serious about delivering quality, entertaining performances. The ZCC makes music in an inclusive atmosphere where enjoyment is the primary focus.  Are you a good clarinetist looking for something different, educational, and fun?  Please click on the link below to learn more.

You can donate to ZCC!  Please visit our Donation Page.

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