Stephen Girko is the principal clarinetist of the Austin Symphony and previously served as principal clarinetist of the San Antonio Symphony Orchestra (1999–2000) and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (1975–1998). He made his Dallas Symphony debut performing Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto with the composer conducting and has since appeared as soloist in major works by Mozart, Nielsen, Weber, Rossini, and Debussy.

Born in New York City, Mr. Girko earned a B.S. in music education from SUNY Potsdam and an M.M. in performance from the Manhattan School of Music. After teaching for a year, he fulfilled his military service with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, also performing as principal clarinet with the Albany Symphony and Hudson Valley Philharmonic. He then held principal and associate principal positions with the Oklahoma City Symphony and the Houston Symphony before joining the Dallas Symphony.

An active teacher, Mr. Girko taught at Oklahoma University for four years and at Southern Methodist University for 18 years, with students now performing and teaching nationwide. He has frequently appeared as a soloist, clinician, and festival musician, including at Music in the Mountains in Colorado and the Carmel Bach Festival.