Last modified: Thursday, April 23, 2009
IU Jacobs School of Music appoints bassoonist Kathleen McLean to its faculty
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2009
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- The Indiana University Jacobs School of Music today (April 23) announced the appointment of Kathleen McLean, one of the most acclaimed orchestral bassoonists in North America. She will join the Jacobs faculty roster as associate professor in the fall of 2009.
Internationally recognized as among "the crème de la crème from the leading world orchestras" (Seen and Heard International Web review, UK), McLean was the associate principal bassoon of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1992 to 2009 and is a sought-after chamber and orchestral musician, recitalist and teacher.
"Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in orchestral, chamber and solo woodwind repertoire, with a passion and commitment to pedagogy that will profoundly affect the preparation of our students for their professional lives in music," said Gwyn Richards, dean of the Jacobs School of Music. "Coupled with Bill Ludwig, our students now have an unmatchable complement of faculty to guide them in their formative stages."
"I could not be more delighted to have Kathleen as a colleague," said William Ludwig, professor of bassoon at the Jacobs School. "Her expressive and controlled playing, her insightful teaching and her wonderfully open personality all combine to make her an exceptional model and mentor for our students. With two full-time bassoon professors, IU can now offer unique opportunities for bassoon students in all degree areas and interests."
"It is very much an honor to become a part of the outstanding faculty of the Jacobs School of Music," said McLean. "It is arguably one of the very finest music schools in the world, with a longstanding history of musical excellence. I hope that my many years of teaching, orchestral experience, eclectic chamber music performances and interest in new music will enhance and complement the already distinguished bassoon studio."
McLean's former orchestral appointments include acting principal bassoon with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, principal bassoon of the Canadian Opera Company and guest principal bassoon with the London Symphony Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra and Montreal Symphony. Since 2001, she has toured extensively with the prestigious World Orchestra for Peace under the baton of Valery Gergiev.
She has been invited to perform and teach in many internationally recognized festivals, such as the Evian International Festival, Vancouver Chamber Music Festival, Ottawa Chamber Festival, Scotia Festival and Banff Festival, as well as the Toronto Summer Academy and Chamber Festival's inaugural 2006 season. She has served on the judging panel for the International Gillet-Fox Competition, as well as performed in Victoria, Banff and Salt Lake City at the conventions of the International Double Reed Society.
In her 25-year career as an orchestral musician, she has worked with leading composers and conductors, such as Sergei Celibidache, Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, Witold Lutoslawski, Elliott Carter, John Corigliano and Valery Gergiev, to name a few.
