Anthony McGill is the principal clarinetist of the New York Philharmonic and has performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician. He is the Philharmonic's first African American section principal. His older brother, Demarre, is a professional flutist, and the two brothers have performed and recorded together. In 2000, Anthony received the Avery Fisher Career Grant. Another career breakthrough came when McGill was heard at the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2008. In 2010, McGill released a self-titled album. His long list of prestigious chamber music collaborators includes pianists Lang Lang and Emanuel Ax. In 2021, McGill issued a recording of the Brahms Clarinet Sonatas, Op. 120, with pianist Gloria Chien.