About
Joel Cardoso is a Portuguese clarinetist and Backun Artist, recognized for his versatility across solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. He is a member of the City Light Orchestra (resident at KKL Luzern) and regularly collaborates with the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana, Luzerner Sinfonieorchester, Argovia Philharmonic, and Philharmonisches Orchester Freiburg.
Joel has won more than two dozen international awards, including first prizes at the Carlino Clarinet International Competition (Italy, 2023), the Thailand International Clarinet Competition (2021), and the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe Scholarship (2018). His competition achievements span Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Romania, Thailand, Poland, and Peru.
He has performed with the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra (LFCO) and was twice selected for the Zermatt Music Festival and Academy, collaborating with musicians from the Berlin Philharmonic. His festival appearances include Lucerne, Zermatt, Grafenegg, Aurora, Music Series, Animato, and Davos, among others. Following auditions, he was invited to perform with the Estonian National Opera and the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid (Teatro Real).
Beyond live performance, Joel maintains a strong online presence, reaching millions across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok through his work with the Rovere Trio and solo projects.
Currently based in Switzerland, Joel is pursuing a Solo Master's degree at the Hochschule Luzern, uniquely as his third Master’s. He previously completed a Master in Orchestra at the same institution under the guidance of Paolo Beltramini and Robert Pickup.
His earlier studies include a Master of Arts in Performance at the Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana with François Benda and Jordi Pons (supported by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation), a Bachelor's degree from the University of Minho under Vítor Matos, and an Erasmus term at the Hochschule für Musik Trossingen with Chen Halevi. He began his musical education at the Guimarães Conservatory under Domingos Castro, graduating with highest honors.
Joel Cardoso is an official artist for Backun, D’Addario, Gleichweit and SCV Ligatures, representing a commitment to exceptional sound, craftsmanship and performance.
