Who's Next?

The New York Philharmonic is about to lose its principal clarinet - again.

Let's take a look at the sad story of that seat in the last few years:

• Stanley Drucker retires, 2009, after 60 years with the orchestra
• Ricardo Morales was appointed and would have started in September, 2012, but he resigned the position before he played a note, opting to stay with the Philadelphia Orchestra
• Stephen Williamson takes the job, plays for the 2013-14 season, then heads back to the CSO

Perhaps the NYPO should check out Burt Hara, late of the Minnesota Orchestra, currently with the LAPO, though sunny LA might be more appealing, or perhaps Mr. Hara plans on a return to Minnesota. But as I've said before, keep your hands off Carey Bell.