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United Kingdom Anthony McGill is a GRAMMY®-nominated clarinetist, recognized for his impactful solo and orchestral performances, as well as his advocacy for diversity and music education.
Anthony McGill has signed an engagement agreement with Backun Musical Services, the world-famous clarinet manufacturer based in British Columbia, Canada. He performs exclusively on Backun Clarinets and will design the new “McGill Signature Series” line of premium clarinets and clarinet barrels, bells, and mouthpieces.
Since 2023, Anthony McGill has partnered with Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) to organize classical music industry convenings at EJI’s Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. These convenings involve leaders and artists in classical music examining America’s history of racial inequality and its ongoing impact on their work. On Juneteenth 2024, McGill was invited by the EJI to perform at the dedication of the National Monument to Freedom.
Anthony McGill serves on the board of directors for Cedille Records. He also released the album 'American Stories' with the Pacifica Quartet through Cedille, which earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Chamber Music / Small Ensemble Performance.
Anthony McGill is a board member for the Harmony Program, an organization dedicated to providing music education to underserved communities.
Anthony McGill serves on the advisory councils for the InterSchool Orchestras of New York, contributing to its mission of providing musical opportunities for students.
Anthony McGill serves on the advisory councils for the Time In Children’s Arts Initiative, an organization focused on arts education for children.
Anthony McGill was born on July 17, 1979, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in the city’s Chatham neighborhood. He began his musical journey at the Merit School of Music in Chicago, continuing his studies at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. His early training laid the foundation for a distinguished career, marked by technical brilliance and a deep commitment to classical music. McGill is among the few African American musicians to achieve a principal position in a major orchestra, demonstrating a significant career progression in the classical music world.
In September 2014, McGill joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Clarinet, holding The Edna and W. Van Alan Clark Chair, a notable achievement following a decade as principal clarinet of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. He has been lauded for his “trademark brilliance, penetrating sound and rich character” by The New York Times. A pivotal moment in his career was his participation in the 2009 inauguration of President Barack Obama, where he premiered “Air and Simple Gifts” by John Williams, performing alongside Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Gabriela Montero. This event brought him national recognition and cemented his status as a prominent figure in classical music. He has since performed as a soloist with orchestras including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and Detroit Symphony orchestras.
Beyond his performance career, McGill is a dedicated educator and advocate. He serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School and the Curtis Institute of Music, where he holds the William R. and Hyunah Yu Brody Distinguished Chair. He directs Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program (MAP), which supports young musicians from underrepresented backgrounds in classical music. In 2020, he received the Avery Fisher Prize, one of classical music’s most significant awards for solo instrumentalists. His commitment to social justice was highlighted in 2020 when he launched the #TakeTwoKnees musical protest against racial injustice, which gained widespread attention. In 2024–25, he is set to tour with pianist Emanuel Ax and participate in the “Principal Brothers” project, showcasing works by Black American composers. McGill plays exclusively on Backun clarinets as a Backun Artist.
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