Michael Burns

Michael Burns is a New Zealand-born bassoonist with a rich and varied career as a performer, teacher, and composer. He currently serves as Professor of Bassoon at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is a Yamaha Performing Artist. Burns has performed extensively as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player, holding principal bassoon positions with ensembles like the Asheville Symphony and the North Carolina Opera. He has also appeared with major symphonies including those in Cincinnati, Greensboro, and Charlotte, and has performed at international festivals and conventions around the globe. In addition to his performance work, Burns has recorded for labels such as Centaur, EMI, and Telarc, earning critical acclaim for his solo CD "Primavera: Music for Bassoon and Piano by Bassoonists".

Beyond performing, Burns is an experienced educator and clinician, having taught at institutions like Cincinnati College-Conservatory and Indiana State University before his current role. He is active in summer music festivals and workshops worldwide, sharing his expertise with students and fellow musicians. His contributions to bassoon repertoire include compositions such as "Blues for Tuba and Hi-hat" and "Swamp Song for Bassoon," reflecting his creative versatility. Burns plays a Moosmann bassoon and continues to be a prominent figure in the classical music community, bridging performance, teaching, and composition with passion and professionalism.

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