Christopher Watford – bassoon

Chris Watford opens EUROMicroFest 2017 at E-Werk on Thurs 18th May.  On Fri 19th May he is giving a free talk about the Microtonal Bassoon.

Here’s something about Chris, his recital programme and a description of his talk:

CHRISTOPHER WATFORD is a Boston/New York based bassoonist concerned with the expansion of the instrument’s capabilities. Praised for bringing “smooth varnish” (The Boston Globe) to his performances with a “clear consistent tone,” Watford works to advance the instrument’s relevance within varying contexts. As a specialist incontemporary music, his performances pursue the limits of extended techniques, microtonality, and electroacoustics, with a focus on extreme sonic identities and the exploitation of the instrument’s acoustic peculiarities. Watford has worked closely with many leading composers including Pierluigi Billone, Salvatore Sciarrino, Tristan Murail and Franck Bedrossian, and has commissioned and premiered numerous works exploring the range and potential of the instrument. He is a member of Boston’s acclaimed new-music sinfonietta Sound Icon and appears regularly with ensembles throughout New England and New York. Watford is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the North Carolina School of the Arts.