Biography
Described as “passionate” and “dedicated” by her colleagues, clarinetist and composer Vanessa Lopez strives to impact the musical world through her immensely unique, yet informed musical interpretations and her lyrical, distinct compositions.
Primarily focusing on ensemble playing, Vanessa has performed orchestral repertoire as a member of two youth symphonies: California Youth Symphony and San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra. She has also played for numerous orchestral clarinetists, such as Carey Bell and Jerome Simas. Additionally, she has more recently delved into the world of chamber music, performing in groups of various instrument combinations. In the summer of 2023, she attended the Saarburg International Music Festival in Saarburg, Germany to continue nurturing her interest in chamber music.
After independently crafting music for eight years, Vanessa is now fostering her composition skills at the University of the Pacific with lessons from Dr. Hendel Almétus. She has written three works so far: Four Pieces for Woodwind Quintet (2022), Reed Trio in f minor (2023), and Trio for violin, clarinet and piano (2023). She premiered her latest work, Canzonetta di Mezzanotte, on May 2nd, 2023.
Acknowledged for her skills as a musician, Vanessa was a winner of the 2020 University of the Pacific Conservatory of Music Honors Recital Competition for her recording of Igor Stravinsky’s Three Pieces for clarinet solo. In 2021, she was selected as a finalist for the Music to Save Humanity masterclass with clarinetist Stephen Williamson and was admitted into their Mentorship and Outreach Program that same year.
Currently, Vanessa studies the clarinet at the University of the Pacific under Dr. Patricia Shands. She will obtain her undergraduate degree in the spring of 2024.
When she’s not making music, Vanessa enjoys creating digital art and writing short stories. She also enjoys walking in nature, which she does quite often at her university. Sometimes, her adorable tabby cat, Luna, joins her.
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