11 October is International Bassoon Day!

The man behind the project is Laurence Perkins, principal bassoonist for the Manchester (UK) Camerata, who wants to reintroduce ‘this beautiful, expressive and versatile instrument’ to new generations of players.

Check local ‘what’s on’ websites or http://www.laurenceperkins.com – on 11 October, in public places all over the world, bassoonists will play Mozart.  So far the site lists events, most of them free, in Rotterdam, Mexico, Chicago, Moscow and sites around the UK, and more are being added. If you’re in London on the day, go along to the Royal Festival Hall and you’ll be treated to a performance from the steps by what Laurence describes as ‘Massed Bassoonists’. As (I think) it’s quite rare to see more than two or three bassoonists performing together, this should really be something!

And another one for the diary, various dates, various venues, is ‘Bassoon Voyager’, a concert of music inspired by travel…

Oh, and in case, like me, you weren’t sure you’d recognise a bassoon if you saw one, this is a photo from Laurence’s website:

Enjoy!