Role

:

Performer

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Susan Nigro is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 22, 1953, Nigro grew up in a family that valued music. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Nigro started playing the piano at the age of five and later switched to the bassoon when she was in high school. Nigro attended Northwestern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in bassoon performance. She then went on to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received a Master of Music degree in bassoon performance. During her time at Juilliard, Nigro studied with renowned bassoonists Harold Goltzer and Stephen Maxym. After completing her studies, Nigro began her professional career as a bassoonist. She joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1977 and played with the orchestra for 29 years. During her time with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nigro performed under the direction of some of the world's most renowned conductors, including Sir Georg Solti, Daniel Barenboim, and Pierre Boulez. In addition to her work with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nigro has also performed with other orchestras and ensembles around the world. She has been a guest artist with the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra, among others. Nigro has also been a soloist with many orchestras, performing works by composers such as Mozart, Vivaldi, and Weber. One of her most notable performances was her solo performance of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1989. The performance was highly praised by critics and helped to establish Nigro as one of the leading bassoonists of her generation. In addition to her work as a performer, Nigro is also a respected teacher and mentor. She has taught at Northwestern University, DePaul University, and the University of Chicago, among other institutions. Many of her students have gone on to successful careers as professional musicians. Throughout her career, Nigro has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the world of music. In 1995, she was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Northwestern University. In 2002, she was awarded the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Theodore Thomas Award, which is given to musicians who have made significant contributions to the orchestra. In 2010, she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Double Reed Society. Nigro has also been recognized for her work as a champion of new music. She has commissioned and premiered works by many contemporary composers, including John Harbison, Augusta Read Thomas, and Michael Daugherty. Her commitment to new music has helped to expand the repertoire for the bassoon and has inspired other musicians to explore new and innovative works. In addition to her work as a performer and teacher, Nigro is also a dedicated philanthropist. She has been involved with many charitable organizations, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Women's Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She has also established the Susan Nigro Endowed Scholarship Fund at Northwestern University, which provides financial assistance to students pursuing degrees in music.

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