Abdul-Aziz Hussein

Abdul-Aziz Hussein

Abdul-Aziz Hussein (1992) is a Croatian clarinetist and a member of the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra.

He has established himself as one of the leading clarinetists of his generation in Croatia, with a highly developed solo, chamber, and orchestral career, as well as an increasing number of international engagements. His artistry is marked by a combination of technical assurance, expressive refinement, and stylistic versatility, which has led critics to recognize him as a musician with a strong interpretative identity and compelling musicality. His interpretation has been praised in professional reviews: “tones emerge from the instrument lightly and effortlessly, with impeccable intonation, perfectly measured duration, and well-shaped dynamics” (klasika.hr).

He graduated in clarinet from the Academy of Music in Zagreb under the guidance of Prof. Davorin Brozić and Prof. Milko Pravdić, and completed his secondary education at the Vatroslav Lisinski Music School in the class of Prof. Bruno Philipp. He continued his artistic training in France at the Conservatoire à rayonnement régional in Versailles, studying with Prof. Philippe Cuper, where he obtained the prestigious Prix de Perfectionnement diploma. During his studies, he also further trained at the Academy of Music in Ljubljana in the class of Prof. Tadej Kenig.

He is the recipient of numerous awards at national and international competitions. Particularly noteworthy is his series of seven first prizes at regional and national HDGPP competitions, as well as his victory at the prestigious 5th Croatian Competition of Young Music Artists Papandopulo (2016). Among his international achievements, the second prize at one of the most important clarinet competitions, the International Clarinet Competition “Guy Deplus” in Las Palmas (2019), stands out. He is also a laureate of international competitions such as Varaždin Woodwind & Brass, IMKA in Sarajevo, the Virovitica International Music Meeting, and the Davorin Jenko Competition in Belgrade.

As a soloist, he has performed with leading orchestras, including the Győr Philharmonic Orchestra, the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra, the Croatian Army Symphonic Wind Orchestra, and the Varaždin Chamber Orchestra. With the Croatian Radiotelevision Symphony Orchestra, he performed the original version of Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. He also appeared in the selection for Croatia’s representative at the Eurovision Young Musicians competition in 2010. He has given acclaimed recitals on international stages in Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, and Algeria.

He regularly performs at prominent festivals and concert series such as the Music Biennale Zagreb, Osor Musical Evenings, and Musical Evenings at St. Donatus. His performances include premieres of new works and collaborations with contemporary music ensembles (Synchronos, Acoustic Project, and Veni Academy).

As a chamber musician, he performs with the Zadar Clarinet Quartet and in Duo Alhambra with guitarist Divna Šimatović. The duo has appeared at notable Croatian and international festivals, including a guest performance at the European Music Festival in Algeria in 2023.

For his artistic work, Abdul-Aziz Hussein has received multiple awards. He is a recipient of the Dean’s Award of the Academy of Music in Zagreb, the Croatian Composers’ Society award for his interpretation of a work by Tena Ivana Borić (ADHD, dedicated to him), as well as an award from the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall. He has also received several “Oscar of Knowledge” awards for outstanding results in national competitions.

He has further trained with some of the world’s most distinguished clarinetists and pedagogues, including Guy Deplus, Ricardo Morales, Philippe Cuper, Nicolas Baldeyrou, Sharon Kam, Mate Bekavac, Stephan Vermeersch, Karl Leister, Charles Neidich, Yehuda Gilad, and many others.

Abdul currently plays on the RZ/magoo Bohema MM hybrid clarinet.