If you’ve never heard of a bassoon, you’re likely not alone. The lowest sounding member of the woodwind family will be on full display when the Redlands Symphony premieres a brand new concerto by Estonian-American composer Lembit Beecher on April 5th , 2025 at 7:30PM.
“The bassoon is a uniquely complex instrument with a beautiful tone, similar to that of a cello but more wooden,” explains Music Director and Conductor Ransom Wilson. “When we had the opportunity to be a part of creating a new concerto for this marvellous instrument, I jumped at the chance—especially when I learned it was being written for (and performed by) my good friend, the Estonian-American bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann.” Indeed, Mr. Kuuskmann will be the featured soloist for Redlands Symphony’s “The Wondrous Bassoon” concert. In addition to the world premiere of Mr. Beecher’s new work, the concert will feature a bassoon concerto by Antonio Vivaldi as well as two works for strings alone: Jessie Montgomery’s Strum and Antonin Dvořák’s Serenade for Strings. “Commissions like this are extremely important, not just for an orchestra itself but for the field of classical music,” remarks Executive Director Kevin Eberle-Noel. The Redlands Symphony is one of several organizations to fund part of the new bassoon concerto but was fortunate enough to get the very first performance. “As a bassoonist myself, I’m not-so-secretly looking forward to this concert the most,” joked Eberle-Noel.
Martin Kuuskmann was born in Soviet occupied Estonia in 1971. He went on to study at the Tallinn Music High School, Manhattan School of Music, and Yale School of Music. His performances and recording span an extraordinary range of style and genres and have earned him 3 Grammy nominations. In addition to touring, performing, and recording, Mr. Kuuskmann is the Associate Professor of Bassoon at the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.
Lembit Beecher was born to Estonian and American parents in Santa Cruz, California. Praised for his music that combines “alluring” textures (The News York Times) and vivid colors, Mr. Beecher’s music has been featured with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, the Julliard Quartet, Orlando Philharmonic, and Cabrillo Music Festival among other organizations.
“The Wondrous Bassoon” takes place Saturday, April 5th , 2025 at 7:30PM in the Memorial Chapel (101 Chapel Dr, Redlands) on the University of Redlands campus. Tickets range from $20-$80 for adults with discounts available for students and children. Discount tickets are available for veterans through our partner, VetTix.
For more information, please visit www.redlandssymphony.com or contact the Redlands Symphony Box Office at (909) 587-5565.
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