Performing as a street musician in Montreal metro stations for four years provided Airat Ichmouratov the foundational experience in improvisation and folk music that later informed his diverse career. Born in 1973 in Kazan, he eventually transitioned from a clarinetist in his native Russia to a multifaceted composer and conductor based in Canada.
Early Training and Migration
Raised in a Tatar theatrical family, Ichmouratov began musical studies at the age of seven at Kazan Children's Music School No. 3. He progressed through the Kazan Music College and the Kazan Conservatory, graduating in 1996. By 1993, he secured positions with the Tatarstan Opera and Ballet Theatre and the Tatarstan State Symphony Orchestra. He moved permanently to Montreal in 1998, continuing his education at the Université de Montréal where he obtained a master’s degree and later a doctorate in orchestral conducting.
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His conducting career gained momentum following his 2005 doctorate. He served as assistant conductor for Les Violons du Roy and later as resident conductor of the Quebec Symphony Orchestra from 2009 until 2011. He has conducted internationally, including engagements with the Izmir State Symphony Orchestra, Free State Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra, the latter involving the 2022 recording of his own piano and viola concertos for Chandos Records.
Composition and Klezmer Fusion
As a composer, his work integrates Russian Romantic influences, Tatar musical heritage, and the klezmer tradition. He began composing while at the University of Montreal, encouraged by an orchestration class assignment. In 2000, he joined the klezmer ensemble Kleztory as a clarinetist. The group has toured globally and recorded for Chandos Records, performing in venues such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. His compositions include twelve concerti, a symphony, and an opera.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Kazan
- Primary occupations: Composer, conductor, clarinetist
- Citizenship: Canada, Russia
- Education: Kazan Conservatory, Université de Montréal
- Joined Kleztory: 2000
- Doctorate year: 2005
- Residency: Longueuil Symphony Orchestra (2018–2021)
Questions readers ask
What instruments did Airat Ichmouratov study?
He initially studied the recorder and, by age ten, began training on the clarinet.
How did he support himself upon moving to Canada?
He performed as a musician in Montreal metro stations and on the streets for approximately four years.
Achievements
- Genres: klezmer and classical music
