Clarinetist Andrew Constantino was an instant hit in Iloilo at the Nelly Garden Christmas gala in 2019 and at the Arthur Espiritu recital at the University of the Philippines Visayas also in Iloilo to great audience acclaim in 2022. Earlier, he stunned islanders as a guest artist in another outreach concert in Catanduanes in 2018.
Last May 29, Andrew was elevated to star status in a gala concert billed as the SSO All Star Concerto Gala as soloist in Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet with the Sitchuan Symphony Orchestra (SSO) under the baton of Darrell Ang.
He shared the all-star gala with flutist Dani Kim who played the Nielsen Flute Concerto and cellist Sheng Yue who interpreted the Elgar Cello Concerto.
Andrew describes his gala program not as a concerto but more of a musical poem. “I performed Claude Debussy’s Première Rhapsodie for Clarinet and Orchestra in my college years. But for this SSO performance, I made significant changes in my interpretation. I allotted up to three hours of practice daily, focusing not just on the technical aspects, but more importantly on the musical expression.”
He pointed out the biggest challenge wasn’t the technical difficulty, but rather the need to constantly shift tone color, timbre, and texture throughout the piece. “Debussy’s music is rich and layered, and it was important for me to clearly convey the contrasting characters in each section to the audience. It is truly a gem in the clarinet repertoire. Though it’s only about 9 to 10 minutes long, the piece is incredibly rich and expressive, almost like telling a story through sound. What makes it especially compelling is not just the technical execution, but the interpretative depth it requires.”
For this clarinetist, the greatest challenge in performing this piece lies in shaping its tone color, timbre, and texture. “It demands a refined sensitivity to nuance and a deep emotional connection, because each passage transitions through different moods and atmospheres. It’s not just about playing the notes correctly, it’s about bringing them to life with subtlety and imagination.”
One of the artists he admires most in interpreting this Debussy piece is Annelien Van Wauwe. “I had the privilege of attending her masterclass here in Sichuan, and she also performed as a soloist with our orchestra. Her interpretation of the Première Rhapsodie left a strong impression on me. Her tone, phrasing, and musicality really captured the poetic essence of the piece. It was incredibly inspiring and helped deepen my own understanding and approach to the work.”
What he enjoyed most about the Concerto Gala was the opportunity to share music on a deeper level, not just with the audience, but also with my fellow musicians on stage. “There’s something incredibly special about performing in a setting where everyone is fully invested in creating something meaningful together. The energy, focus, and passion during that evening made it a truly memorable experience. It was also a joy to feel the connection with the audience, to see their reactions, to feel their presence, and to know that the music we were making was reaching people emotionally. That sense of communication and shared experience is one of the most rewarding parts of being a musician, and the Concerto Gala really reminded me of that.”
Earlier, he performed the clarinet concerto with the Manila Junior Symphony Orchestra also under the baton of Maestro Darrell Ang who is also music director and resident conductor of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra.
Now the Associate Principal Clarinet of SSO, Andrew also had the privilege of playing the E-flat clarinet, a role that comes with its own unique challenges and character. “Some memorable concerts include performing Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé and Piano Concerto in G Major, as well as Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks. These works demand precision, agility, and a distinct tone color that the E-flat clarinet provides. It’s always an exciting challenge to step into that role, and it has pushed me to expand my versatility and refine my understanding of orchestral color and texture.”
Now on his second year with SSO, his joining the orchestra was not without hitches.
In 2019, he did a live video audition where he performed the Mozart Clarinet Concerto widely considered as one of the most essential pieces for orchestral auditions.
After that, he was asked to play orchestral excerpts selected by the jury. “They chose passages from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade and Capriccio Espagnol, as well as Brahms’ Symphony No. 3. I passed the audition and was offered the position of Associate Principal Clarinet with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra which I accepted.”
Due to COVID-19 that same year, the orchestra had to put the offer and contract on hold. Three years later, they requested a re-audition to assess any changes in his playing after the long gap. “I completed the second audition, and they reaffirmed the same offer and I accepted.”
When he first arrived in Sichuan to join the orchestra, he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. It was a major step forward in his music career and he was both honored and eager to be part of such a professional ensemble.
The first few months were definitely challenging. “The orchestra regularly performs very demanding repertoire so I had to adjust quickly to the level of precision, endurance, and musicality expected. I also took time to build connections with my colleagues, especially coming from a different culture and language background. But over time, I found that the environment was incredibly supportive, and those early challenges helped me grow both personally and musically. What I enjoy most about being part of the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra is the passion and commitment everyone brings to the stage. Every performance feels like a collaboration where everyone is giving their best. There’s a real sense of pride in the music we make together, and that’s something I deeply value.”
He finds Sichuan a vibrant yet peaceful city. “It has a unique charm, modern yet deeply rooted in tradition. I love exploring the old towns, temples, and historical sites, but what I appreciate most are the many parks and green spaces. I enjoy walking a lot, both as a form of exercise and relaxation. Sichuan offers plenty of scenic places where I can unwind and reflect. The slower pace of life outside of rehearsals really helps balance the intensity of our work in the orchestra.”
Some of his most memorable concerts with the SSO have been the ones where he had the opportunity to perform as principal clarinet.
For him, playing major works such as Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6, Dvořák’s Symphony No. 5, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 has been incredibly rewarding. “These pieces are not only technically and musically demanding, but they also require a deep level of emotional expression and ensemble coordination, which makes performing them live a truly unforgettable experience.”
He cannot avoid the immense pressure associated with his orchestra position. “Yes, there is definitely some pressure that comes with holding the position of Associate Principal Clarinet. I believe that’s natural, especially in a professional orchestra setting. One of the key responsibilities in this role is sharing duties with the Principal Clarinet. For example, in a typical season concert, I might play the first half of the program while the principal takes the second half, or vice versa. This rotation means that I often step into leading roles during performances which requires a high level of consistency, preparation, and musical leadership. While that responsibility can be demanding, I view it as a positive challenge. I remind myself that pressure is part of growth, and it motivates me to always give my best. I stay focused, prepare thoroughly, and approach each performance with confidence and professionalism. At the end of the day, I love what I do, and that passion helps me rise to any challenge that comes with the position.” Andrew plays on a Yamaha clarinet with Hamilton gold plating, made in Japan. “This instrument offers a rich, warm tone and excellent projection which makes it highly suitable for orchestral settings. The gold plating not only enhances the instrument’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to a slightly darker, more focused sound. I chose this clarinet for its reliable intonation, smooth key action, and the overall balance it provides in both solo and ensemble performances.”
He reflects: “Overall, every performance, whether on B-flat, A, or E-flat clarinet, is a new opportunity for growth. Each piece I perform deepens my connection to the music and strengthens my contribution to the orchestra’s collective artistry. I feel truly fortunate to be part of such dynamic and inspiring musical experiences.”
He is allowed a Manila vacation twice a year during the summer holidays and around Chinese New Year. “These breaks are a great opportunity to rest, recharge, and sometimes travel or visit family. They also give me time to reflect on my playing, explore new repertoire, and return to the orchestra with fresh energy and inspiration.”