World's Largest Clarinet Festival to Open in Incheon This July
Creatrip Team
a month ago
ClarinetFest 2026, the world’s largest clarinet festival organized by the International Clarinet Association (ICA), will take place July 8–11 at Songdo Convensia in Incheon. This is the first time South Korea hosts the event and the second time it’s held in Asia. The festival gathers clarinetists, educators, students and researchers for performances, masterclasses, lectures, instrument exhibitions and networking. The opening gala concert is on July 7 at Incheon Art Center Concert Hall, featuring conductor Ji Jung-bae with the HanKyung arte Philharmonic and international artists including David Krakauer (USA), Annelien Van Waubeke and Christel Focquet (Belgium), Vítor Fernandes (Portugal), and Korean clarinetist Chae Jae-il. Notable young prodigies and sisters Lee Se-yeon and Lee Do-young, record-setting winners of the ICA Young Artist Competition in 2024 and 2025, will also perform. Major instrument brands such as Buffet Crampon, Henri Selmer Paris, Vandoren and Yamaha will exhibit. Opening gala tickets are available through Incheon Art Center and NOL tickets, priced at 30,000 KRW each.
