From Principal Clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra to a multifaceted life in music, Sérgio Pires has built a career across worlds.
Artist Playbook caught up with Pires to talk about artistry as a lifelong processof curiosity, growth, and reinvention.
You’ve lived and worked across Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. How has that shaped you as an artist?
Living in different places exposed me to different musical traditions, schools of thought, and ways of making music. Those perspectives broaden your voice, challenge your assumptions, and open you to ideas you might never have encountered otherwise.
You became Principal Clarinet of the London Symphony Orchestra at a young age. What did that teach you?
It taught me that trust develops over time. During a trial period, there is always uncertainty, but once you are chosen, you have to trust that you are there for a reason. Believing in your own value while continuing to grow is an important balance.
Your career has moved through orchestra, chamber, solo, and teaching. Where do you feel most at home?
I don’t feel completely at home in only one part of music-making. I value the balance between all of them because each fulfills a different part of who I am as a musician. Teaching is especially rewarding because it constantly challenges me to listen, adapt, and keep learning.
How has your definition of success changed over time?
Getting to know great musicians closely changed how I saw success. When we’re young, it’s easy to imagine that the artists we admire have everything figured out. Over time, I learned that everyone has doubts, insecurities, and areas where they are still growing.
What is one insight you wish more young musicians understood earlier?
There is no single path to a fulfilling life in music. It is important to stay open, explore different opportunities, and discover what feels authentic to you. Later, learning when to say no becomes just as important as knowing when to say yes.
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