Born in Kazan, Russia, Airat Ichmouratov studied clarinet at the Kazan State Conservatory. In 1993, he was appointed as Associate clarinetist of the Tatarstan’s Opera and Ballet Theatre, and of the Kazan State Symphony Orchestra, with which he toured Europe. In 2000 he obtained a Master degree at the University of Montreal. He then founded the Muczynski Trio, who won the 1st prize and Grand Award at the National Music Festival (Canada, 2002) and 1st Prize at the 8th International Chamber Music Competition in Krakow (Poland, 2004). The Muczynski Trio toured Eastern Canada with La Jeunesse Musicales in 2006, and participated in the Topaz Series with Pro Musica at Place des Arts (Montréal). The Trio has also recorded for CBC and given performances in Iqualuit (Nunavut), China, Russia and Europe. Also In 2000 Mr. Ichmouratov joined the klezmer group Kleztory, where he plays clarinet, composes and arranges. In 2004 Kleztory recorded unique CD – klezmer music with world - renowned orchestra I Musici de Montreal and Yuli Turovsky for the “Chandos” label (Great Britain). With Kleztory, Mr. Ichmouratov appeared as soloist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, I Musici de Montreal and 13 Strings (Ottawa). Holding a Ph.D in orchestra conducting from University of Montreal, Airat Ichmouratov has frequently been invited as the guest conductor of the Tatarstan’s State Symphony Orchestra, the Kazan Chamber Orchestra “La Primavera” (Russia) and in January 2007 he was invited as the guest conductor of the Laval Symphony Orchestra (Canada). Airat Ichmouratov is currently Conductor in Residence of Les Violons du Roy in Quebec city. Compositions by Airat Ichmouratov have been performed in Canada, USA, Russia, Israel and Europe. This is Airat's second time conducting the Symphony New Brunswick Orchestra. | 
