Clarinetist Raphael Sanders will present a recital of classical chamber music with Nevada's premier classical music ensemble, the Sierra Winds, on April 16.

The recital will take place at 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Sanders is the newest member of the Sierra Winds and a faculty member in UNLV's music department. Previously, he was assistant professor of clarinet at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas and principle clarinetist with the Abilene Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also performed as clarinetist with a variety of symphony orchestras including Houston, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Vallejo, East Texas, Longview, and Reno. Sanders holds degrees from the University of Hawaii, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the University of North Texas. Originally from Hawaii, he was a U.S. Air Force bandsman, touring the country as principal clarinetist of the band and as a saxophonist in the jazz ensemble.

Sanders will present chamber music for clarinet with the assistance of pianist Sally Pollack and guitarist Kasey Carmoday. The Sierra Winds will join Sanders for music by composer Jacques Ibert, Ingolf Dahl, and Astor Piazzolla.

Sierra Winds have given performances internationally and have performed at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center.

"It is the sense of style and mutuality of ensemble that makes this such an attractive group," praised the New York Times.

Sierra Winds have been recognized by the Aaron Copland Fund for Music, Nevada Arts Council, Meet-the-Composer Foundation, and National Endowment for the Arts. They have released three recordings of American music for winds that have received great critical acclaim and are frequently played on public radio.

The ensemble has commissioned, premiered, and recorded music from some of America's finest composers. Sierra Winds are an ensemble-in-residence at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Past recipients of the Nevada Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts, the ensemble was twice named "Best Performing Arts Group" in Las Vegas.