Martin Kuuskmann – Bassoon
Estonian-born bassoon virtuoso, Martin Kuuskmann is a commanding force bent on redefining the bassoon as a top caliber solo instrument. His charismatic and entertaining performances throughout the world have earned him repute as one of the leading instrumentalists around. The New York Times praised Kuuskmann’s playing as “dynamic…amazing…gripping…” and in 2007 he received a Grammy Nomination for his recording of David Chesky’s bassoon concerto.
Kuuskmann has appeared as soloist in the New York Philharmonic series, and with the Macao Orchestra, Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Nordic Symphony Orchestra, Riga Sinfonietta, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra of the Norrlandsoperan, among others.
Martin Kuuskmann’s solo album “Nonstop” was released in 2010 and includes works by J.S. Bach, Berio, Schnyder, Jobim, and Pärt.
Kuuskmann’s commitment to contemporary music has led to the premieres of eight new bassoon concerti written for him. Furthermore, his collaboration with jazz-legend John Patitucci led to the creation of Caprice No. 1 for bassoon and strings.
A highly sought-after chamber musician, Kuuskmann’s partners have included David Taylor, Daniel Schnyder, Gregor Huebner, Miguel Kertsman, Meta4 String Quartet, Goran Söllscher, Kirill Gerstein, Patrick Gallois, and Paquito D’Rivera.
Kuuskmann has been a guest at numerous international music festivals including Bremen, Hamburg, Kuhmo, Oulunsalo, Nargen, Menuhin Festival Gstaad, Umeå, Kristiansand, Banff and Hong Kong World Music Days.
Kuuskmann conducts, lectures and teaches in conservatories and universities in North America and Europe, and is the woodwind coach with the Baltic Youth Philharmonic by invitation of Kristjan Järvi. Since 2007 Martin Kuuskmann has been teaching at the Manhattan School of Music’s Contemporary Performance Program.
He is a founding member and solo bassoonist of the Grammy-nominated Absolute Ensemble.