With a charismatic blend of technical flair, polish, and grace, Portuguese-Canadian clarinetist Wesley Ferreira draws in audiences with his unabashed joy and passion for storytelling through music. Widely regarded as a gifted expressionist, critics have praised his “beautiful tone” and “technical prowess” (American Record Guide), “remarkable sensitivity” (CAML Review), and “invigorating performance style” (The Clarinet). Fanfare Magazine adds, “Ferreira is clearly a major talent.”He has been broadcast nationally on RTP television in Portugal, CBC Radio in Canada, and ABC in Australia and has been a featured guest artist at numerous clarinet festivals. As one half of the globe-trotting clarinet and guitar duo Jâca, he is part of an acclaimed and groundbreaking ensemble that combines classical and world folk music to bring an adventurous, passionate, and completely original musical style to the stage.
In addition to his performing career, Wesley is also a sought-after keynote speaker who works with corporate and professional audiences to help them develop the mindset, presence, and poise of top performers—so they can succeed authentically and lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. He also speaks passionately on arts advocacy, showing how the artistic mindset and creative toolkit empower individuals in their careers and in everyday life, fostering personal growth, transformation, and a deeper connection to the world around them.
Currently based in the United States, he is a tenured full professor of music at Colorado State University, where he maintains a thriving clarinet studio. He is also co-founder and artistic director of the Lift Clarinet Academy, a premier summer training institute that attracts students from around the world.
As a recording artist, Wesley has released nine albums across labels including Centaur and Parma, earning international recognition such as the 2013 East Coast Music Award for Classical Recording of the Year and the 2015 and 2022 International Portuguese Music Awards. His discography ranges from Into the Green, a bold exploration of works for clarinet and electronics, to Breakthrough, the debut album of Jâca. His 2019 solo album Arrival highlights Portuguese composers and reflects his ongoing commitment to bridging heritage, scholarship, and performance. In 2025, he was inducted as a member of the Recording Academy (Grammy®), a recognition that affirms his stature not only as a performer but also as a recording artist committed to advancing the place of music in society.
Wesley’s exploration of increasingly stimulating projects and challenges was on display when he was tapped by Selmer Paris in 2017 as a lead consultant and team developer on a new line of clarinets. In October 2021, the Muse professional clarinet was released to critical acclaim. Undoubtedly, Wesley’s commitment to collaboration and advancing his field was further demonstrated when he served as Artistic Director of the ClarinetFest® 2023 conference, a major event with record-breaking attendance celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the International Clarinet Association.
Wesley received his advanced musical training at the University of Western Ontario (B.M.) and Arizona State University (M.M. and D.M.A.), studying with Robert Riseling and Robert Spring, respectively. He is endorsed by Selmer Paris and Vandoren, and performs exclusively on Selmer Muse clarinets and the Vandoren BD4 mouthpiece, V21 reeds, and rose gold M/O ligature. To learn more, visit: www.wesleyferreira.com.
Thanks for listening!
Check out Wesley’s work -
wesleyferreira.com
Insta - @WesleyOnStage
YouTube - @WesleyOnStage
“Into the Green” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzAXn2WNh5M&list=RDHzAXn2WNh5M&start_radio=1
Connect with me -
Website - emilyjohnston.com
Clarinet Channel Instagram - @theclarinetchannel
YouTube - @emilyjclarinet
Brasil