Keith-main-image-884.jpg

Keith Buncke, who played with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and other Portland groups, is the new principal bassoon at the Chicago Symphony,

(Interlochen)

Less than a year ago, Keith Buncke, then 20, won a dream job as principal bassoon of the distinguished Atlanta Symphony. Today, word comes he just won the principal job at the renowned Chicago Symphony.

Buncke, who played with the Portland Youth Philharmonic and Columbia Symphony, studied with Mark Eubanks, former principal bassoon of the Oregon Symphony. I asked Eubanks to comment on his former student.

"The one who started him on bassoon was Lyle Dockendorff when Keith was 11 or 12. Lyle quickly came to a point where he didn't know what to do with Keith's talent. Keith was also composing chamber music. I wish Lyle were still with us to share in the joy for Keith accomplishments and burgeoning career.

"As his teacher I saw poise, confidence and musical maturity well beyond his years. His early activities included performing as soloist with Metro Arts Young Artists Soloists and the Oregon Symphony as well as concerts with Chamber Music Northwest. His CMNW Young Artist Fellowship led him to perform in a trio with David Schifrin and David Hattner as well as alongside renowned Viennese bassoon soloist Milan Turkovic.

"Keith was selected to attend and perform at Tanglewood, Aspen and Colburn School where he won another solo competition. Keith had not yet graduated from the Curtis Institute when he won the principal bassoon chair in Atlanta. The former Oregon Symphony contrabassoonist and Bassoon Brother, Juan DeGomar, is a current member of the Atlanta bassoon section and has been very complimentary of Keith's work there.

"For those who still consider the bassoon to be a "farting bedpost" (or belching bedpost), I invite them to hear Keith perform two concertos on March 13th and 15th with Portland Columbia Symphony."

dstabler@oregonian.com

503-221-8217

@davidstabler