Aileen Razey

I cultivate artistic environments that are welcoming and grounded in introspection and dialogue, with the help of strong collaborative ties with other artists, educators, and community collaborators. The musical spaces we create allow audience members to safely explore complex or often taboo ideas, particularly those surrounding climate change and climate anxiety, while also exploring a path forward.

 

My performing and teaching are deeply interconnected, with each directly informing and strengthening the other. I am a founding member, clarinetist and movement artist with The International Collective, an interdisciplinary international ensemble that merges traditional roles of artists on stage. Solo appearances include performances with the St. Olaf Jazz Ensembles at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and at Orchestra Hall in 2025, as well as with the St. Olaf Band in 2024. As an orchestral musician, I perform often with Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and have previously performed with the Aspen Music Festival and School (Colorado), Lucerne Festival Academy (Switzerland), Klangspuren Schwaz International Ensemble Modern Academy (Austria), and Savaria Symphony Orchestra (Hungary). I am Assistant Professor of Clarinet at St. Olaf College in Northfield Minnesota, Artistic Director of the Bridge Chamber Music Festival, a Woodwind Clinician with D’Addario (clarinet accessories company), and an Henri Selmer Paris Artist. Upcoming engagements include Faculty Guest Artist at the Henri Selmer Paris International Summer Academy (May 2026) and performances with Artaria String Quartet at Stringwood Music Camp. 

 

While my performance practice is rooted in classical repertoire, I learn new styles that share stories that I connect with and am eager to share with others, such as jazz and klezmer. I am particularly committed to commissioning and championing the music of living composers, especially those whose music responds to current events that reflect the world in which we are living. Recent projects explored topics of mental health, collaborating with local artists, and using scent as a means of connecting with music. 

 

My upcoming project, From Roots to Wings, centers on the relationship of nature in the community that I live in, and the emotional weight of climate anxiety. I am collaborating with other artists, scientists, and mental health experts, and am commissioning a new musical work by Minnesota-based composer, Libby Larsen, that will be inspired by conversations and submitted reflections with audience members. Other music appearing on the series are commissioned works by Kornel Thomas (Minnesota-based), and Jenni Brandon. I have received grant funding from a St. Olaf College Professional Development Grant and MRAC Creative Connections for this project.

 

I seek to expand my role as a performer beyond making music alone, cultivating experiences that integrate music, interdisciplinary arts, reflection, and community dialogue. It is my goal to develop performance experiences that not only cultivate awareness, reflection, and empathy, but also strengthen community connection and the capacity to respond to challenges with meaningful action.