Michel Portal

Michel Portal was a renowned French clarinetist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer, celebrated for his unique blend of classical and jazz music. Born on November 27, 1935, in Bayonne, France, he began his musical journey at a young age, influenced by his father's passion for music. He was known for his versatility, playing instruments such as the saxophone, taragot, and zokra, and for his innovative post-jazz compositions. Throughout his career, Portal received accolades for his contributions to both classical and contemporary music, and he remained an influential figure in the music community until his passing on February 12, 2026, at the age of 90 in Paris.