I am the second bassoon at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden (London) and you'll find here my reflections on playing the bassoon (in particular second bassoon) and the world of music in general. It might be of interest to bassoon students, teachers, amateurs and fellow professionals. Although this site is U.K. based, I hope there is something here for those from elsewhere. 

On this page I'll put anything of current interest e.g. forthcoming concerts, events, recordings, vacancies, general gossip etc. So if you have any bassoon news, please send me an e-mail .

'Saying of the Month' for July:
'Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet'. (Variously attributed to Aristotle, Jean-Jacques Rousseau or an Afghan proverb).

A colleague of mine who used to be a member of one of the symphony orchestras in London is selling some Heckel crooks (bocals) and some reed making equipment. If you are interested in buying any of this, get in touch with me via the 'Contact' page and I'll pass your details on.

I have, at last, sorted out the page on this site where I recommend gadgets for bassoonists. Please go to the 'Miscellaneous' Page.

I sell the bassoon reeds that I make. These are exactly the same as those I use at the ROH. For more information, please click here.

For some time the International Double Reed Society has had a discussion forum which was open to members only. It was opened up to the public in February. See: http://www.doublereed.org/IDRSBBS/viewforum.php?id=7 .

I am pleased to report that Jones Double Reed Products, the suppliers of reeds and cane from the U.S. which had ceased trading for a while, is getting back into business under its founder, Dr Wendel Jones. Many will find this very welcome news. Go to: http://www.jonesdoublereed.com/ .

On 8th to 12th July, Jareck Augustyniak (the Principal Bassoon in the BBC National Orchestra of Wales) is taking a bassoon masterclass course in Lódz in Poland. There are also masterclasses for flute and clarinet. Full details at: http://www.ventusoptimus.com/page11.htm .

On 21st to 25th July 2009,  Birmingham (UK) will host the The International Double Reed Society's annual conference. More details at http://www.idrs2009.org/ .

On Wednesday 5th August, Karen Geoegegan is playing the Mozart Bassoon Concerto at a Prom concert at the Royal Albert Hall (London). Details: www.bbc.co.uk/proms/2009/whatson/0508.shtml#plus1 .

In the International Munich Music Competition last year, French bassoonist Marc Trénel won first prize. There is a video clip featuring his playing and also a short interview at http://www.br-online.de/br-klassik-english/ard-musikwettbewerb/index.xml . Second prize went to Christian Kunert. Joint second prize to Philipp Tutzer and third prize to Vaclav Vonáek. Details including biographies (in German) at http://www.br-online.de/br-klassik-english/ard-musikwettbewerb/ard-musikwettbwerb-candidates-2008-bassoon-ID1218624102362.xml . See also: http://www.musicweb-international.com/sandh/2008/Jul-Dec08/ARD13_14.htm .