Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Performing a concerto with orchestra requires a different skill-set than that normally employed by an orchestral musician, especially a bassoonist. Whereas an orchestral bassoonist will typically carry a prominent musical line for a short time, a bassoon soloist carries most of the thematic material for the concerto’s duration. This requires a deeper dive into a piece’s innerworkings. For my debut concerto as Principal Bassoon of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, I not only faced the typical challenges associated with soloing with an orchestra. I also met hurdles like repertoire changes, shortened timelines for preparation, decision-making processes about errata and interpretations, and new parameters for performance, all while navigating an unfamiliar landscape due to the raging COVID-19 pandemic. What I learned in this process enabled me to not only deliver a successful performance of the Hertel Concerto in A minor for Bassoon, but also prepared me for what challenges lie ahead the next time I’m called upon to step to the front of the stage.