Originally from Flower Mound, Texas, Besnik Abrashi is the bass clarinetist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Before joining the Milwaukee Symphony, he was a fellow with the New World Symphony. Throughout his career, Abrashi has performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra, Modesto Symphony Orchestra, American Contemporary Ballet, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He has had the privilege of working with many renowned conductors, including Stéphane Denève, Carlos Prieto, Andrew Grams, Hannu Lintu, JoAnn Falletta, Anthony Parnther, John Adams, Jader Bignamini, and Michael Tilson Thomas.

A highly accomplished musician, Abrashi has earned accolades in various solo competitions, most notably winning first prize at the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition. His festival participation includes Opera NEO and the Music Academy of the West, where he was featured in a special collaboration with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santa Barbara and contemporary artist Awol Erizku. Abrashi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Clarinet Performance summa cum laude from the University of North Texas and a Master’s degree in Clarinet Performance from the University of Southern California. His primary teachers include John Scott, Kimberly Cole Luevano, and Yehuda Gilad.

Outside of his professional music career, Abrashi enjoys hiking, recreational sports, and playing board games.