Multiple Grammy-nominated Estonian bassoonist Martin Kuuskmann belongs to the leading voices on his instrument, performing repertoire landmarks from across the entire scope of classical music with celebrated orchestras the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, MDR Leipzig Radio Symphony Orchestra, Iceland Symphony Orchestra, the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra and more. He has worked with renowned conductors Neeme, Paavo and Kristjan Järvi, Risto Joost and Daníel Bjarnason, among others. Kuuskmann’s unmatched expressive versatility is only one of multiple reasons for his great esteem among composers and colleagues worldwide – fifteen bassoon concertos have been written explicitly for him by A-listers Christopher Theofanidis, Páll Ragnar Pálsson, the three composers presented on this album and more. His reputation as a chamber musician precedes him and has led to countless international collaborations with acclaimed chamber music ensembles such as the Berlin Philharmonic Winds and produced partnerships with the likes of Leif Ove Andsnes and Kirill Gerstein. Not only has the bassoonist performed on celebrated international stages – ranging from Carnegie Hall to Sala Sao Paolo – but Kuuskmann also balances his deep expertise in classical and chamber music with occasional forays into jazz – collaborations with master improvisors John Patitucci and Joe Zawinul included. Kuuskmann’s exceptional artistry is documented in a steadily expanding recording catalogue that includes three Grammy-nominations. Recent and upcoming projects include two duo albums, each with a long-time collaborator: Schubert’s Voyage (Berlin Classics), with Kristjan Randalu, and Retratos (Audiophile Society) with the Brazilian pianist, Jovino Santos Neto. Besides holding a chair as an Associate Professor of Bassoon at the University of Denver, Kuuskmann continues to pursue a prolific career as one of the most sought-after performers in his field. The New York Times has called his instrumental proficiency “amazing…stunning”, confirming that the bassoonist is one of the great virtuosos of our times.
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