Robert DiLutis

Robert DiLutis

Instrument: Clarinet/Eb Clarinet

With the RPO since: 1996

Favorite time of year in Rochester, and why... Summer is the most beautiful time of year for me. The snow is finally gone. At least I hope!

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Drink or food you're most likely to order at Java's: Hot Chocolate. It is amazing!

When not performing with the RPO, you can find me ... working in my shop repairing instruments or inventing a new gadget of some sort.

First music-related memory: I remember early on hearing my father playing in our family polka band. They played at every wedding and family gathering.

I decided to be a professional musician when ... I started to study with my first clarinet teacher. He opened my eyes to a wonderful and exciting world of music.

Favorite travel destination: I always love going to New York City. The dining is always perfect.

Influential teachers: William Blayney, Peabody; David Weber, Juilliard

Favorite ice cream flavor: Rum Raisin

What are your other "hidden" talents: collecting 78 RPM records

Do you teach private students? I have a studio of 5-10 students at any given time.

What other orchestras have you performed with? San Antonio Symphony

Oddest RPO concert (or rehearsal) memory ... was when the fire alarm went off during a concert and we delayed the performance for an hour then gave up when Eastman could not turn it off. We played the last and loudest movement of the symphony that could be heard over the alarm.

Favorite restaurant in town and why. Sorry it's in Buffalo.... Toro's...WOW! Tapas that are always original and creative.

What types of music do you like to listen to? All types but I love Mahler

The RPO is essential to Rochester because ... it sets the standard of excellence for all of the Arts in Rochester

My favorite part of working in the RPO is ... the amazing support we get from our community.

If someone were visiting Rochester, what would you tell them to go see or do? Go hear the RPO!

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Biography

Robert DiLutis has performed as second and E-flat clarinetist with the RPO since 1996. Prior to that, he was Assistant Principal and E-flat clarinetist with the San Antonio Symphony. He is best known however as the inventor of the Reed Machine, a professional reed-making device for clarinet and saxophone. Making his Carnegie Hall debut in 1989, Mr. DiLutis has taught at The Baltimore School for the Arts and St. Mary’s University in Texas. He currently serves on the faculty of the Eastman School of Music and is an International Artist for Buffet Crampon USA.