Draft:Mark Nuccio

Mark Nuccio (born April 19, 1971) is an American classical clarinetist. Since 2016, he has been the principal clarinet at the Houston Symphony. He was the associate principal clarinet for the New York Philharmonic for 17 years after joining the orchestra in 1999. He has also performed numerous times with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Early life and education
Nuccio was born on April 19, 1971 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He frequented Cheyenne Mountain High School in his home town. He studied music at the University of Northern Colorado from which he has received the "Distinguished Alumni Award". Nuccio received his master's degree from Northwestern University while studying under Robert Marcellus.

Nuccio has also studied at the Music Academy of the West, a partner of the New York Philharmonic.

Career
Prior to 1999, Nuccio held multiple positions across the United States with different ensembles such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 1999, Nuccio joined the New York Philharmonic as the associate principal clarinet and solo E♭ clarinet. From 2009 to 2013 he was its acting principal clarinet. This stint at the orchestra was his longest on the roster of one orchestra.

In 2013, Nuccio left the New York Philharmonic and joined the Houston Symphony as principal clarinet. He remains the principal clarinet of the orchestra as of 2024.

Nuccio currently teaches at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. He is the principal clarinet professor at the university. He has also taught at the Manhattan School of Music.

Nuccio has performed at major concerts, shows, and venues such as The Late Show with David Letterman and the 2003 Grammy Awards.

Nuccio is well-known at the International Clarinet Association and regularly performs at their events. Nuccio is a Buffet Crampton USA Performing Artist.

Recordings and performances
Throughout his career, Nuccio has recorded with multiple orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, Houston Symphony, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. His recordings include works from various composers such as Brahms, Beethoven, Gershwin, Mahler, Shostakovich, Stravinsky, and Tchaikosvky.

Nuccio has also played on the soundtracks of many films, including Failure to Launch, Last Holiday, The Rookie, and The Score.

In 2006, Nuccio released his first CD, Opening Night. The CD contains 2 songs with 4 movements each: Mozart's Quintet in A Major for Clarinet and Strings, K.581, and Brahms' Quintet in B Minor for Clarinet and Strings, op. 115.