Clarinetist François Houle has established himself as one of today’s most inventive musicians in the diverse musical genres he has embraced: classical, jazz, new music, improvised music, and world music. He has also developed his own unique improvisational language, virtuosic and rich with sonic embellishment and technical extensions. Whether performing works by Mozart or Messiaen, appearing as a featured soloist with orchestra, leading his new international 5+1 ensemble, or embracing live, interactive electronics, François demystifies music for audiences everywhere. A sought-after soloist and chamber musician, he has commissioned leading Canadian and international composers and premiered over a hundred new works, as well as composing a clarinet concerto (recorded with Turning Point Ensemble for the Atma label). He has also performed with Standing Wave, Bozzini Quartet, and Fibonacci Trio and released more than a dozen recordings, earning JUNO Award and West Coast Music Award nominations. Twice listed by DownBeat as a “talent deserving wider recognition,” and hailed as a “rising star” in DownBeat’s 2008 Critics’ Poll, he has collaborated with jazz greats Dave Douglas, Anthony Braxton, Benoît Delbecq, Myra Melford, Marilyn Crispell and Joelle Léandre among many others. Extensive touring has included appearances at major festivals across Canada, the U.S. and Europe.