István KOHÁN - clarinet, bass clarinet

Kohán István was born in Budapest, 21th of September, 1963. He started his primary musical studies at János Parák in1972 at Kispest Music School. Since 1977 he was a student of István Vécsei and András Nemes at Béla Bartók Music Vocational School. 1985 he graduated from Franz Liszt Music Academy, and got a teaching diploma under the instruction of Miháltz Gábor. 1978-81 he was a member of the Symphonical Orchestra of St. Stephen's High School. 1981-86 as clarinettist he worked with Hungarian folk music in the Kopjafa group. Since 1981 he is member of the orchestra of the Budapest Operette Theater. Since 1982 he is practicing his tutorial profession. He has lead 21 students to their musical careers, and among them many have reached prominent results in national competitions.

At the moment he teaches in Ernő Dohnányi Music School and Aladár Tóth Music School. He is a member of the Budapest Klezmer Band which was founded in 1990. In 1985, he won first place in the Jeney Zoltán Quintet Competition. In 1994, and 2000, he won a prize in the National Clarinet Competition of Music Schools as the most effective teacher of students entering contests. Since 1990 he is a member of the Budapes Klezmer Band.