Alan Vivian commenced his studies in Sydney, Australia, and, after winning first prize in the National Young Performer’s Competition, at the Hochschule fur Musik und darstellende Kunst in Vienna, where he was a student of Professor Alfred Prinz, Solo Clarinet of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
His career since returning to Australia has made him one of the country’s highest profile musicians. He has held the long-term orchestral positions of Principal Clarinet with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, and Canberra Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed as Guest Principal Clarinet with the BBC Symphony in London and with the Orchestra of the Vienna State Opera, as well as acting as Principal Clarinet with all of Australia’s major symphony orchestras.
As a chamber musician he has been a permanent member of the Australia Ensemble, performing the masterpieces of the chamber repertoire for clarinet throughout Europe, the USA, China and Australasia. He is currently a member of the Canberra Wind Soloists. As a concerto soloist and recitalist he has toured extensively: his performance touring has taken him to over twenty countries on five continents. He has recorded for the Sony, EMI, Polygram, ABC Classics and Revolve labels, and is a featured artist in Pamela Weston’s book: “Clarinet Virtuosi of Today”.
As a teacher, Alan Vivian has presented master classes throughout Australia and the world; most recently as a Visiting Artist at the Paris Conservatoire. Former students are scattered throughout the globe, having been competition prizewinners, recipients of international scholarships, and occupying permanent positions in Australia’s orchestras.
ANU School of Music faculty member since 1985.