Bio

David Sapadin is the Principal Clarinetist of The New York Pops and a versatile freelance musician based in New York City, known for his lyrical playing and engaging teaching approach. He has performed with many of the country’s leading ensembles, including the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, American Ballet Theatre, New York City Opera, American Composers Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, and in orchestral engagements with Andrea Bocelli, among others. His work spans a wide range of musical settings, from major symphony orchestras and chamber groups to Broadway and contemporary music productions.

In musical theater, he has played clarinet, bass, and E-flat clarinets in productions such as La Bohème (2002), The King and I (1997), and Blood on the Dining Room Floor (2000, EOS Orchestra).

A passionate educator, David is on the faculty at Montclair State University and The Mannes School of Music. He taught at Kinhaven Music School for 22 years and has led masterclasses across the country, working with clarinetists from elementary school through the graduate level.

David recorded the Brahms sonatas for the joy and challenge of conveying their emotional breadth—from fiery intensity to quiet introspection.

He studied with Yehuda Gilad, Mitchell Lurie, David Krakauer, and Ricardo Morales.