Why I Chose Backun
"The moment I tried the Backun Q Bass Clarinet I knew it was what I had always been looking for: I fell in love with its warm and wide sound, its incredible intonation and its efficient keywork. And it's also beautiful! I think the Q Bass Clarinet will be a great companion for me."
About
Lara Díaz is a renowned clarinet and bass clarinet soloist celebrated for her exceptional artistry and versatility. A sought-after performer, educator, and adjudicator, she is a prominent figure on the global clarinet stage, frequently performing, teaching, and serving as a jury member for prestigious competitions. Her performances span major festivals worldwide, including Europe, the United States, Canada, South America, and Asia. Lara performs both as a soloist and in distinguished chamber ensembles such as Trio Contrastes (clarinet/bass clarinet, violin, and piano) and Formica’s Age Duo (bass clarinet, violin, and electronics) with Marco Pastor.
A passionate advocate for contemporary music, Lara works with and inspires composers to create works for her and her ensembles. Her performances at contemporary music festivals across the globe have contributed significantly to the dissemination of new and innovative compositions.
An esteemed educator, Lara is regularly invited to teach masterclasses and perform at international clarinet festivals. Her extensive festival credits include the ICA ClarinetFest (2018–2024), the European Clarinet Festival (Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, Poland, and Germany), the IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Clarinetistas in Peru, and the Dream Clarinet Academy in Baoding, China. Additional highlights include appearances at:
- 18º Encontro Internacional de Clarinete, Lisbon (2017)
- International Festival “Il Mondo d’Il Clarinetto”, Accademia Italiana del Clarinetto
- ClarMeet Porto (2016, 2017, 2018)
- Taller para Jóvenes Clarinetistas, Clariperú (2018, 2019)
- Xacobeo ClarinetFest (2021)
- Tenerife ClarinetFest (2021)
- Gran Canaria International Clarinet Festival (2022)
- ADEC Spanish Congress (2024)
Lara is a member of the Artistic Committee for the inaugural and second editions of the ICA Low Clarinet Festival (2023, 2025). Her expertise is frequently sought as a jury member at international clarinet and bass clarinet competitions, including:
- Saverio Mercadante Competition
- ICA Young Artist Competition (2021, 2024)
- TICC Competition
- Samnium Benevento
- Harry Spaarnay Competition
- Guy Deplus Competition
- Silverstein Works Competition
Lara performs as the bass clarinetist for The Fabulous Four Clarinet Quartet, founded in 2023. Additionally, she co-leads the Nosotras project with pianist Natalia Zapatero, showcasing music by women composers for clarinet and bass clarinet, both classical and contemporary.
Based in Salamanca, and teaching in Zamora, Spain, Lara has been a lead instructor at the “Antonio Romero” masterclasses since 2003. She also serves the International Clarinet Association (ICA) as the Spanish Country Chair and is a member of the DEIA Committee, furthering diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the clarinet community.
Lara is widely recognized for her contributions to bass clarinet repertoire, including her transcription of Manuel de Falla’s Suite Popular Española (published by Manuel de Falla Ediciones) and Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1. She holds a Ph.D. in Spanish and Latin American literature from the University of Salamanca. She was honored with the 2021 Salamanca Woman Award in the Culture category by the Tierno Galván Association.
Lara Díaz is a Backun Artist and performs on Backun Q Series Bass Clarinets. She is also a proud Silverstein Works performing artist.
