The idea behind the repertoire of this CD was not to create a disk (or compilation) of encore pieces, even though many of them could be used for that purpose. The choice of pieces came along by a simple requirement: what I thought was pleasant and fun music to listen to without limitations of the clarinet and piano repertoire. This is probably the reason why there are only three pieces on this recording which were originally written for clarinet. Aside from the standard masterpieces for clarinet, I wanted to include other great works from composers who did not originally write for this instrument. This resulted in a series of arrangements I have included on this disk. The styles of music on this recording came from many different regions around the world. Each piece represents a unique dish that is desirable and pleasant to the ears because of its musical flavor from different cultures. This is the reason the title “Delicacies” came to my mind. Alexey Gorokholinsky is the first prize-winner of Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, Jefferson Symphony Young Artist Competition and The Juilliard School Clarinet Concerto Competition. The latter culminated in his NYC debut at Alice Tully Hall, performing Nielsen Clarinet Concerto with the Juilliard Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Otto-Werner Mueller. In addition, Mr. Gorokholinsky is also a laureate of International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition, The Buffet Crampon Young Artist Competition, Pasadena Showcase Instrumental Competition, and The Spotlight Competition. Mr. Gorokholinsky has toured extensively throughout his native Russia as a featured artist of the “New Names” rising stars series. Performances from these tours were broadcast on national radio and television in Russia and the USA. Now, Mr. Gorokholinky is a founding member of the trio “Eta3” which tours extensively across United States. Mr. Gorokholinsky has appeared as soloist with Solisti New York Chamber Orchestra, The Juilliard Orchestra, Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra, Jefferson Symphony Orchestra, and Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra. Alexey Gorokholinskiy began studying the piano at age four, switching to clarinet at age seven. He is working toward his Master’s degree from The Juilliard School as a pupil of Charles Neidich. He is the recipient of the Bidu Sayao Scholarship, the Paul Louis Berlin Scholarship, The Fredericka Schick Horochiloff Award, and the Mitzi Koo Foundation Scholarship. Marina Gorokholinsky. A student of the great Russian pianist Viktor Merzhanov. She was born in 1960 in Belogorsk, Russia. She has studied at Central Music School of Moscow (1972-1979), and at Moscow State Conservatory (1979-1984). From 1989 to 1994 she has worked as accompanist at Central Music School of Moscow and from 1994 to 2005 she was an accompanist at the Moscow State Conservatory. Marina has a lot of concerts with various chamber music ensembles. Her repertoire consists of more than 300 chamber and vocal pieces, among which are sonatas, trios, quintets, sextets and others. Marina is also a frequent guest of music broadcasts of Russian radio and television. Her concerts, which were organized by Moscow State Philharmony, are usually performed in such halls as Rachmaninov hall and Small Hall of Moscow State Conservatory. Marina often collaborates with famous musicians, such as American clarinetist Charles Neidich and Russian cellist Mikhail Utkin, presenting and proclaiming different works which have either rarely or never been performed in Russia. Marina has recorded 4 cds which were oficially released on "Classical Records" between 2000 and 2002. In 2004 Marina has received the award of "Distinguished Artist". "Marina Gorokholinsky is a bright representative of Russian piano school. Her concert performances are always exceptional in artistic way and never leave the audience emotionally untouched. She possesses a smooth beautiful sound and deep sensitivity, which allows her to show in her performances all the uniqueness of the pieces of the composers of different styles.” (Victor Merzhanov).