NorthWinds

Bassoon Ensemble

A gaggle of geese, a school of fish, a murder of crows -- a monsoon of bassoons?

The bassoonists of NorthWinds have found a cheerful and spirited platform for this unsung bass wind pipe. The ensemble was formed in 2017 with the idea that all music is created equal -- except in a bassoon ensemble, which is more equal than others.  These players bring out the jaunty, the moody, the serene, and the serious nature of the instrument with an easygoing and open style. The enthusiasm is infectious as the group performs and chats with the audience. What’s a double reed?  You “crow” a reed?  Wait, it’s eight feet long?  Is a contrabassoon really eighteen feet long? Hold on -- is that an accordion up there?  You might just get lucky with this group and hear something completely unexpected.

As for credentials: the group has one PhD, five graduate degrees, and years of study with prestigious musicians, including NY Phil players. One of us has even left behind a distinguished career as an oboist and has come to see the light as a bassoonist.  Between the group we have toured Europe, performed solos with major orchestras, been part of Grammy nominated ensembles, and of course, trekked through the work-a-day world of the freelance musician. What’s really needed is a bit more fun now; and here it is.

NorthWinds Ensemble is especially well suited to intimate settings like THE HALL at Panther Creek Arts where the audience and performers have a moment to exchange thoughts and listen to this lesser known beauty of the orchestral winds.

John Douglas Ferrigno

Karen Kelland

Cornelia McGiver

Nora Post