2023 NewBassoon Institute at the University of Michigan
June 11-17, 2023

2023 NewBassoon Institute fellows and faculty

NEWBASSOON INSTITUTE AT THE University of michigan school of music, theatre & dance
ann arbor, mi

The 2023 NewBassoon Institute at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance gets underway this weekend in Ann Arbor! 2023 Faculty: Jeffrey Lyman (faculty host at University of Michigan) together with Michael Harley, Lynn Hileman and Rachael Elliott.

2023 Newbassoon institute PERFORMANCES

Sunday, 6/11 at 5 pm 
NewBassoon Institute Opening Faculty Recital
Watkins Lecture Hall (Room 1350)
Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Wednesday, 6/14 at 8 pm
House concert in Temperance, MI
7 pm reception, 8 pm concert
featuring EK Duo, with bassoon music from the faculty & fellows of NewBassoon Institute

Thursday, 6/15 at 11 am
13 bassoons performing Brad Balliett’s “Arboretum”, an outdoor, site-specific musical installation in which each bassoonist is next to, and playing music inspired by, various trees found in the Arb
Nichols Arboretum "Heathdale" area, near Washington Heights entrance
Ann Arbor, MI

Friday, 6/16 at 4 pm
Bassoon Solos Concert, performed by NewBassoon Institute fellows
Watkins Lecture Hall (Room 1350)
Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Saturday, 6/17 at 12 pm
”Bassoon Rebellion” Closing Concert of chamber music and large ensemble pieces
Watkins Lecture Hall (Room 1350)
Earl V. Moore Building, 1100 Baits Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

More info >

Brad Balliett introducing his multi-bassoon piece, “Arboretum” to students at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, Michigan

NewBassoon Institute ensemble performance of “Arboretum” opens with the chorale before we disperse into solos and pairs throughout the woods.

Brad Balliett’s “Arboretum” performed live at Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, Michigan
June 15, 2023
Preview on Youtube >


Rushes Ensemble
September 27, 2022

crosstown arts
Memphis, Tennessee

Rushes is a 55 minute tour-de-force that takes the listener on a meditative journey through rich, undulating harmonies captured by the velvety sound of seven bassoons.

Rushes Ensemble is an all-star septet comprised of leading performers of contemporary bassoon music in the United States: Michael Harley, Maya Stone, Lynn Hileman, Jeffrey Lyman, Rachael Elliott, Saxton Rose, and Sara Schoenbeck.

Tickets & Info >

Rushes Ensemble performing at Crosstown Arts, Memphis, Tennessee


Heliand • Cool of the Day

York Street Meeting House
Lyndon, VT
July 22, 2022

Artistree Community Arts Center
South Pomfret, VT
July 23, 2022

Rochester Chamber Music Society
Rochester, VT
July 24, 2022

Join us this summer in Vermont for an exciting mélange of classical music and new works, including trios of Franz Josef Hadyn, Clémence de Grandval, Jenni Brandon, Padma Newsome, Chick Corea and others. Featuring the World Premiere of “Nuts” (2022) by composer Molly Leach, commissioned by and dedicated to Heliand. We're thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite guest artists, percussionist Thomas Kozumplik, last heard in 2019 for our Nico Muhly project.

The July program is named after Jean Ritchie's folk song, "Now is the Cool of the Day" which we will be singing for you. We are also inspired by the evocative and energetic painting by Vermont artist, Caroline Tavelli-Abar, whose "Volcano & Ice" provides visual accompaniment to this program.

Heliand.org >

Volcano & Ice (2009) by Caroline Tavelli-Abar


Chandler Center for the Arts
Randolph, Vermont
Saturday, October 26, 2019


Dibden Center for the Arts

Northern Vermont University
Johnson, Vermont
Sunday, October 27, 2019

Featuring the New England premiere of Nico Muhly's
"Reliable Sources" for bassoon and wind ensemble

Rachael Elliott, bassoon soloist
Anne Decker, conductor
Patrick Evans, narrator
NVU Chamber Singers led by Bethany Plissey

Bassoonist Rachael Elliott is among the 19 bassoonists who commissioned this magnificent piece from Nico and is privileged to perform the New England premiere in her (and Nico's) home state of Vermont together with a band of outstanding musicians from across the region.

Our October 26-27th concerts offer two of only a handful of opportunities across the U.S. to hear this piece by one of this generation's most esteemed composers performed live! Both concerts will be Livestreamed; links will be shared soon.

Thanks to the many supporters of this project who gave generously to our GoFundMe Campaign >