Gene Kavadlo has been Principal Clarinetist with the Charlotte Symphony in North Carolina since 1975. He previously occupied the same position with the Jacksonville Symphony, Florida, and, in addition to his symphony activities, is an active recitalist and teacher. Gene has also performed with the Aspen Music Festival, and major teachers have included Augustin Duques, Earl Bates, Robert McGinnis, and James Pyne.

Gene has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Queens College, N.Y., and a Master of Music Degree in Clarinet, with High Distinction, from Indiana University, where he was awarded the coveted Performer's Certificate for outstanding recital performance. He has served on the music faculties of the University of North Carolina, Winthrop University, Queens University, and Jacksonville University; and has appeared as soloist with the Charlotte Symphony and other ensembles.

Gene founded VIVA KLEZMER! in 1984. The ensemble concertizes extensively in the Southeast, and has received rave reviews for its performances at the Spoleto Festival and elsewhere. VIVA KLEZMER! has been called "a Jewish musicaltreasure." The ensemble is actively involved in presenting educational concerts which have been enthusiastically received by educators and students alike.

VIVA KLEZMER! has been invited to perform several times at ClarinetFest, an international seminar sponsored annually by the International Clarinet Association. These Klezmer Dances are the result of one such performance given at the University of Maryland in 2004. Movements are drawn from the repertoire of VIVA KLEZMER!, and can be heard in their original instrumentation (clarinet, violin, guitar, bass, percussion) on the CD Viva Klezmer, Viva Tradition available from www.vivaklezmer.com.