Lawrence University Clarinetist Honored by Prestigious Chinese Conservatory

APPLETON, WIS. -- Lawrence University clarinetist Fan Lei has been named a permanent visiting professor to the prestigious Xian Conservatory of Music, one of China's leading institutions for the advanced study of music.

A past grand prize winner of the Chinese national clarinet competition, Fan was cited by the Xian Conservatory for his "outstanding musical artistry and contributions to teaching." He also was recognized for his on-going international efforts in bringing guest musicians, including several members of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music faculty, to Xian for performances and master classes. Fan will serve as artistic director for the 2002 Xian International Clarinet and Saxophone Music Festival next August.

Regarded as one of China's finest clarinetists, Fan joined the Lawrence Conservatory of Music faculty in 1993 and was promoted to associate professor of music in 1999. He is the principal clarinetist with the Green Bay Symphony and has been a frequent summer visiting artist at the Banff Center for the Arts in Canada.

Fan earned music degrees from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Yale University School of Music.