Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Greg Hesselink is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music. He was born on August 22, 1957, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. Hesselink grew up in a family that valued music, and he began playing the piano at a young age. However, it was not until he was in high school that he discovered his love for the bassoon. Hesselink attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in bassoon performance. He then went on to study at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Master of Music degree in bassoon performance. During his time at the University of Michigan, Hesselink studied with renowned bassoonist, L. Hugh Cooper. After completing his studies, Hesselink began his professional career as a bassoonist. He joined the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra in 1981 and played with them for six years. In 1987, he joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he played for 25 years. During his time with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Hesselink was a featured soloist on several occasions, including performances of Mozart's Bassoon Concerto and Vivaldi's Bassoon Concerto in C Major. In addition to his work with orchestras, Hesselink has also been an active chamber musician. He has performed with several chamber ensembles, including the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, the Michigan Chamber Players, and the New York Chamber Soloists. Hesselink has also been a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance since 1987, where he teaches bassoon and chamber music. Hesselink's talent and dedication to his craft have earned him several awards and honors throughout his career. In 1980, he was a winner of the National Symphony Orchestra Young Soloists Competition. In 1981, he was a finalist in the International Geneva Competition for Young Musicians. In 1982, he was a winner of the Concert Artists Guild International Competition. In 1983, he was a winner of the Young Concert Artists International Auditions. One of the highlights of Hesselink's career was his performance of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 1995. The performance was recorded and released on the Naxos label, and it received critical acclaim. The American Record Guide called it "a performance of great beauty and sensitivity," while Fanfare Magazine praised Hesselink's "impeccable technique and musicality." Another notable performance by Hesselink was his performance of the Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto in C Major with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in 2001. The performance was part of the orchestra's "Vivaldi Festival," which featured several works by the Italian composer. Hesselink's performance was praised for its "graceful phrasing and virtuosic playing" by the Detroit Free Press. Hesselink has also been involved in several recordings throughout his career. In addition to his recording of the Mozart Bassoon Concerto, he has recorded several works with the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, including a recording of the music of Samuel Barber. He has also recorded with the New York Chamber Soloists, including a recording of the music of Johann Nepomuk Hummel. In addition to his work as a performer and teacher, Hesselink is also a composer. He has written several works for bassoon, including a Sonata for Bassoon and Piano and a Concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra.

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