Stephen Zielinski

Stephen Zielinski is a San Francisco Bay Area-based clarinetist whose work spans orchestral performance, concerto appearances, and recorded collaborations. He is a member of the California Symphony, Santa Rosa Symphony, and North State Symphony.

He joined California Symphony in 2017 and North State Symphony and Santa Rosa Symphony in 2025. In addition to his ensemble appointments, he frequently performs with orchestras throughout Northern California, including the Oakland Symphony, Santa Cruz Symphony, Monterey Symphony, and Stockton Symphony.

Zielinski has appeared as a concerto soloist with the Ukiah Symphony, Diablo Symphony, and Bay Area Rainbow Symphony.

His recording work includes collaborations with the Twentieth Century Classics Ensemble under the direction of Robert Craft, recording chamber works by Anton Webern and Igor Stravinsky for the Naxos label. His performances can also be heard on Albany Records recordings featuring music by Thomas Pasatieri.

Zielinski studied with Charles Neidich and holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music and a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School, where he received the Arline J. Smith Scholarship and the Otto G. Storm Scholarship.

Photo by Art Garcia