Bixby Kennedy

Visiting Assistant Professor of Clarinet

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Biography

Lauded for his “admirable suppleness and beauty of tone” (Allan Kozinn, New York Times) Bixby Kennedy is one of the most versatile clarinetists of his generation.  He has performed concerti with orchestras including the Minnesota Orchestra, Houston Symphony, and New Haven Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Bixby has performed throughout the US and Europe in venues including  Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, The Kennedy Center, Marlboro Music Festival, and is the clarinetist for the “explosive”  chamber ensemble Frisson. An advocate for contemporary music, in Fall 2025 he joins the storied New York New Music Ensemble which specializes in the contemporary and forward thinking repertoire of our time. He has appeared as a guest artist with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and his performances were featured on national radio broadcasts.  As an orchestral musician, Bixby has performed with the MET Opera, NY Philharmonic, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra and The Knights in addition to regular engagements with New Haven Symphony Orchestra. On period instruments, Bixby has performed classical repertoire on original and replica instruments throughout the US.  He is an alumni member of Carnegie Hall's Ensemble Connect and works as a teaching artist throughout the US. As an arranger, his works have been performed by Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Schumann, Frisson, Ensemble Connect, and Symphony in C. He loves traveling, trying new foods, laughing, hiking, playing tennis, and spending time with his family.

Bixby holds degrees from Indiana University (BM) and Yale University (MM), a postgraduate fellowship with Ensemble Connect, and is a DMA Candidate at the Manhattan School of Music. 

Bixby is represented by Thomas Parker and performs on Backun instruments.