Phoenix Symphony’s longtime bassoonist announces retirement
May 24, 2018, 4:00 PM
(Facebook Photo/Bonnie Wolfgang)
(Facebook Photo/Bonnie Wolfgang)
PHOENIX — A longtime member of The Phoenix Symphony is hanging up her bassoon.
Bonnie Wolfgang, who has been with Arizona’s premier symphony orchestra since 1976, will retire after the season-ending performances of Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony on June 1 and 2 at Symphony Hall.
“Bonnie is a world-class musician, and our community has been very fortunate to enjoy her talents in her 42 years of service in The Phoenix Symphony,” Virginia G. Piper Music Director Tito Muñoz said in a news release. “Her talent, dedication and collegiality has helped make our wonderful orchestra a beacon of excellence among orchestras in our country.
“We have been privileged to have Bonnie as a member of The Phoenix Symphony, and she will be dearly missed.”
Wolfgang, who has performed under six conductors in Phoenix, was featured on the famous introductory solo for Stravinsky’s “The Rite Of Spring” during the opening concert of the current season.
Her final appearances come as The Phoenix Symphony wraps up its 70th season.
According to Wolfgang’s bio on the symphony’s website, she played bassoon with the with the Wilkes-Barre Symphony in Pennsylvania at age 15.
Following her graduation from the Curtis Institute of Music, whe was selected to solo with the Philadelphia Orchestra, a performance that brought her national recognition.
