Raissa Fahlman
"After years of using cigarette paper or just blowing the water out of my pads, I finally tried the Spit Sponge, and it's awesome! Whether I'm on stage, in a pit, or in the studio, nobody wants to hear rustling cigarette paper. The Spit Sponge allows me to keep my pads clean and dry with no obnoxious noises, and it's super gentle on my pads! I also have the Key Leaves for my saxes, and it keeps them playing great!"- Raissa Fahlman (New York Clarinetist)
New York based clarinetist Raissa Fahlman is a devoted soloist, orchestral, chamber, and jazz musician. As a clarinetist, bass clarinetist, and saxophonist, she has participated in many world premieres as a member of chamber ensembles, large ensembles, and as a featured soloist. Raissa is a frequent commissioner of new music and performs in a variety of styles, often fusing classical and jazz genres. This crossover interest has culminated in many unique projects influenced by classical, electronic, jazz, latin, and klezmer styles.
Raissa completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Stony Brook University with the guidance of renowned clarinettist Alan Kay, and received her Master of Music degree at the Koninklijk Conservatorium in The Hague, under the tutelage of world class Dutch clarinettist Pierre Woudenberg. At the invitation of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Raissa completed two long term independent music residencies as a soloist and chamber musician.
A Canadian native, Raissa has been sponsored by the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, twice receiving the individual artist project grant in music. Raissa has performed at some of the finest venues all around the world; Canada, China, Europe, and the United States—including New York’s Carnegie Hall. Recently Raissa completed a short tour of Beijing and Duancun, China, where she gave a series of concerts and masterclasses. Raissa regularly performs in the New York area with various chamber music and small jazz groups, and gives concerts as a featured soloist. Raissa is proud to be an official Wurlitzer Artist.