About Deborah de Graaff

Clarinetist Educator Communicator

 

Australian clarinettist Deborah de Graaff is acclaimed for her expressive artistry, distinctive voice in chamber music, and deep commitment to teaching and audience engagement. A musician of rare depth, Deborah has combined a rich performing life with a thoughtful, communicative approach to repertoire — from classic masterpieces to new commissions.

​

A Life Shaped by Music

 

Growing up immersed in the world of opera and song, Deborah was profoundly influenced by her mother, contralto Lauris Elms. This early exposure to lyricism, tone, and storytelling continues to shape her sound — one that is vocal in colour, expressive in phrasing, and consistently grounded in musical intention.

Her performances are known for their luminous tone, architectural clarity, and emotional directness, traits particularly evident in her acclaimed recordings of the Brahms clarinet works and other core repertoire. Whether in concerto, chamber music, or solo recital, Deborah’s playing invites listeners into a world where each phrase breathes and each curve of line is compellingly articulated.

​

Championing Clarinet Repertoire

 

Deborah’s large discography and concert career has reflected both masterworks of the clarinet literature and thoughtful explorations of new and rare gems. Her recordings are celebrated for their:

• Artistic depth and expressive range

• Clarity of musical structure

• Deep empathy with composers’ intentions

​

Teacher & Mentor

As a dedicated educator, Deborah brings the same musical sensitivity and analytic insight to the studio as she does to the stage. Her teaching is characterised by:

• A focus on sound quality and expressive intention

• Clear, structured pedagogical approaches to technique and musicianship

• Encouragement of personal musical voice alongside disciplined craft

University students, young professionals, and community musicians alike value her clarity, patience, and mentorship.

​

Connection & Communication

 

Whether through live concerts, recordings, masterclasses, or online media, Deborah believes strongly in connecting with audiences — helping listeners hear with fresh ears and experience music as a living, breathing art.

She has appeared as a featured artist and speaker at festivals, conferences, concert series, and educational forums, and is regularly invited to adjudicate, lecture, and lead workshops.

​

Behind the Music

 

When she isn’t playing or teaching, Deborah can often be found:

🎵 mentoring with young people and exploring new repertoire with collaborators
🌳somewhere in the garden nurturing trees and growing fruit
🎧 listening deeply to everything from lieder to chamber music and podcasts on the environment and world politics

⛵️sailing, boating, varnishing painting and building
​🐕‍🦺 walking Harry through bushland or open rural fields with wonderful wife

Keeping in touch with her talented inspiring young people and students

​​

​

​​

Stay in Touch 

Sign up for updates, recordings and more books — and experience CLARINET like never before.