Biography
New Zealand clarinetist David McGregor studied with Philip Green (Associate Principal Clarinet, Opera Australia Orchestra, former NZSO) at Victoria University of Wellington from 2011 to 2014. While studying in Wellington, he also played in the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band in section and principal positions. He was principal clarinet of the NZSO National Youth Orchestra from 2012 to 2014, and a casual section player with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra since 2013.
In 2015 he moved to Hobart, Tasmania, where he studied with Francesco Celata (Associate Principal Clarinet, Sydney Symphony) at the University of Tasmania Conservatorium of Music.
David was selected as a Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellow in 2017, which involved him playing frequently with the orchestra, most often playing E-flat clarinet, though he performed in all positions in a number of concerts. The Fellowship programme involved performances in mixed chamber ensembles with the other Fellows in Central Sydney, as well as regional NSW. The role also involved education work and outreach which was an absolute highlight. Fellows would participate in, and present masterclasses and workshops to students in the greater Sydney area.
David returned to New Zealand in 2018, where he was appointed principal clarinet of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. In October 2020, David appeared as soloist with the CSO performing Mozart's Clarinet Concerto K. 622.
Alongside his playing work with the CSO, David enjoys teaching, and is passionate the CSO's award winning Community Engagement programme, which involves education and outreach work in schools, corrections and other community organisations in the Canterbury region.