Contrabassoon

Contents: Biography

Discography

CD Reviews Press Quotes & Testimonials

Repertoire

Performance History

Performance Schedule

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Susan Nigro – Biography

"CONTRABASSOONIST WITH A CAUSE"

What could be more intriguing than the idea of a normal-sized female musician making a solo career on a huge instrument weighing 15 pounds and containing over 18 feet of tubing? Contrabassoon crusader Susan Nigro, a native of the south side of Chicago, has done exactly this - made a name for herself as one of the world's very few soloists on this instrument. Not content merely with orchestral freelance work, the "Contrabassoonist with a Cause" has made it her mission to bring this little-known but important instrument the long overdue attention and respect it deserves. Susan's emphasis is on solo performance with the contrabassoon. Her innumerable recitals and solo appearances have occurred in such places as Salzburg, Montevideo, Rome, and throughout the United States. On many occasions, she has been a featured artist at the annual conferences of the International Double Reed Society, and has also played as a guest artist with the Northern Hills Bassoon Ensemble as well as with the St. Luke's Bottle Band. Her solo performances are frequently accompanied by master classes, lecture-demonstrations, or workshops designed by this contrabassoon spokesperson to enhance the understanding and appreciation of the instrument's unique sound and surprising versatility. In recognition of her status, she served as a "permanent substitute" with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for five seasons, from 2008 to 2013 - and is currently contrabassoonist with the Illinois Philharmonic.

Ms. Nigro's quest for contrabassoon solo literature has led her to commission and perform many new compositions, and she has premiered more than 2 dozen solo works for this instrument. Some of these new pieces have been published, and others are in the publication process. Susan is also a recording artist, and has 7 CDs currently on the market: "The Big Bassoon" (1995), "Little Tunes for the Big Bassoon" (1997), "The Two Contras" - in collaboration with retired CSO contra player Burl Lane (1999), "The Bass Nightingale" - (2001), "New Tunes for the Big Bassoon", (2003), "Italian Tunes for the Big Bassoon" –

Susan Nigro – Biography

(2005), and "Original Tunes for the Big Bassoon" (2008). Clips from these discs may be heard on the recordings page of www.bigbassoon.com and excerpts from these CDs have been aired on WFMT/WDCB/WNUR/WNIB - in Chicago, WNTI - in New Jersey, and 2MBS-FM - In Australia.

Susan was the winner of a Pro Musicis International Career Development Grant, and a finalist in the Chicago Park District Talent Search. She received an honorable mention prize in the Rome Festival Concerto Competition, acompetitive national audition. Her orchestral experience has included regular subbing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, previous work with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and extensivefreelancing in the Chicago area. She earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Northwestern University, and an additional graduate degree from Roosevelt University. Her teachers were Burl Lane, Ferdinand Del Negro, Willard Elliot, Leonard Sharrow, Sherman Walt, and Wilbur Simpson. She attended the Tanglewood Music Center for three summers, where she was awarded the Henry B. Cabot Prize, and honed her ensemble skills in the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In May 2007, the Order Sons of Italy in America, State of Illinois, bestowed upon Susan their Leonardo da Vinci Award of Excellence in the field of Performing Arts. Ms. Nigro has been on the State Artists Rosters of eight U.S. states including the Illinois Arts Council's Arts Tour Artists Roster, has appeared as a guest artist at the Rome Festival in Italy, the Aspekte Festival of Salzburg, and at the Grand Teton (WY) Music Festival, and also was an artist-in-residence at the 3rd Annual Contrabassoon Festival (UT). She is a founding member of the Chicago Bassoon Quartet, "The 2 Contras" contrabassoon duo, and ContraBand - probably the world's only contrabassoon octet. The International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, England named Susan "International Musician of the Year" for 2003. Her Artist Biography is included in the archives of the International Music Museum in London, England, she is listed in the 14th Edition (1994) of International Who's Who in Music, and she holds memberships in ten high IQ organizations: The International High IQ Society, Mensa, The High Potentials Society, The Top One Percent Society, The Mind Society, Intertel, The Geek Community, The Poetic Genius Society, Colloquy, andThe One-in-a-Thousand Society. Susan resides with her beloved companions Caesar and Cassius - 2 Cirneco dogs from Sicily.

Susan Nigro – Discography

Click below to review samples from each of Sue's albums!

Susan Nigro–Discography

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

American Record Guide - July/August 2006

American Record Guide

July/August 2006

Bellissima

Susan Nigro. Cbn ---Crystal 845— 66 minutes

For as long as I can remember, the name Susan Nigro has been synonymous with the

contrabassoon; one cannot be mentioned without the other. Her notoriety comes from

having produced five, now six recordings on the instrument. Five of them, including this

one, have been made with Crystal Records--a fine match. Crystal Records produces good

quality recordings that represent solo music like this very well.

Bellissima is an album of works by Italian composers spanning several centuries. Many of

the works come straight from the bassoon solo literature, such as the Vivaldi A-minor

Concerto, while others are arranged for the contrabassoon and piano accompaniment—for

example, the Albinoni Adagio in G minor.

The Sonata in B-flat by Girolamo Besozzi at the beginning of the program is a pleasant and

somewhat serious introduction. Nigro plays with impeccable taste and precision.

Rossini’s Cavatina comes next and brings with it a barrel of laughs. Almost everyone

knows this melody and will have no trouble appreciating the two-fold musical humor—

contrabassoon as a Thieving Magpie. There are two other works by Rossini: Allegro and

Introduction and the Theme and Variations from the Quartet No. 6. Rossini was a great

lyrical writer and musical humorist; Nigro accentuates that humor while not losing the

lyrical quality of the music.

A welcome addition to any recording for an odd instrument like this is a work composed

specifically for the instrument. Teresa Procaccini, a composer who lives in Rome, wrote

Moments for contrabassoon and piano. It displays the instrument in a more flattering light,

not that performing arrangements or bassoon music is necessarily unflattering. More than

just the fact that the piece was written for the instrument, it is the legato-style melodies that

show off the sonorous side of the instrument that make this piece stand out.

Still, the arrangement of Albinoni’s Adagio is the heart and soul of this recording. Nigro

and Lindeblad’s performance is so gorgeous and so musical that I forgot it was a

contrabassoon. I was simply captivated by the music. The spirit in this piece is very much

like Virgil Fox’s famous recordings of Bach’s ‘Come, Sweet Death; on the Wanamaker

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

Organ: taking command of such a large and cumbersome instrument and making it perform

music that haunts the soul is truly an achievement. There seem to be some odd extraneous

noises on this track, and the recording quality changes slightly from the other track, but this

is one of the most musical performances of the work I have ever heard.

Also on the recording is Otmar Nussio’s Divertimento, a good piece for contrabassoon and

piano. It has good character, and Nigro’s phrasing is clear and meaningful. There is an

introduction followed by four brief movements. ‘Pantomima’ and ‘Corteggio’ are my

favorites—for who among us does not get a thrill from a low B-flat on the contrabassoon at

the end of any piece?

The Bassoon Concerto in A minor by Vivaldi works well with contra, but I would prefer to

have heard it with string accompaniment, rather than piano. There is absolutely nothing

wrong with Lindeblad’s performance, but the sound of the piano is not large enough to

properly accompany this instrument, which has such a, well, large sound.

I suspect that all of Susan Nigro’s fans have already snatched up their copies of this

recording. In case you have not done it, do it. There is excellent music-making here.

SCHWARTZ

Fanfare July/August 2006

FANFARE

July/August 2006

Instrumental

SUSAN NIGRO, CONTRABASSOON Susan Nigro (cbn); Mark Lindblad (pn) * CRYSTAL CD845 (66:13)

BESOZZI Sonata in Bb. ROSSINI (arr. Berr) La Gazza ladra: Cavatina. Allegro for Bassoon and Piano. ROSSINI (arr. Zukerman) Quartet No. 6: Introduction. Theme, and Variations. PROCACCINI Moments, op. 154. ALBINONI (arr. Giazotto) Adagio in g. NUSSIO Divertimento. VIVALDI Bassoon Sonata No. 3 in a.

This is Susan Nigro’s fourth CD for Crystal Records, a company that specializes in

performances of music for wind and brass instruments. The disc has two appropriate

subtitles: “Bellissima” and “Italian Tunes for the Big Bassoon.” Perhaps some

connoisseurs will think the superlative degree of beautiful not quite appropriate for the

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

biggest and deepest sounding of the woodwinds, but they should listen before making such

a judgment. Certainly there are notes struck in some of her selections that sound rather like

earthquakes, but they are fine of their kind, and, like Enzio Pinza or other great bass

singers, Nigro can spin a legato melody with the best.

The program ranges across three centuries. Vivaldi, Albinoni, and Besozzi represent the

18th

; Rossini the 19th

, and Nussio and Procaccini the 20th

. Otmar Nussio (1902-1990) does

not sound particularly modern, but his Divertimento, consisting of five short movements, is

full of charm and wit. Teresa Procaccini (b. 1934) displays a fine gift for post-Debussy

impressionism in her brief Moments. A pleasant surprise is Remo Giazotto’s arrangement

of the thrice-familiar Albinoni Adagio, making a highly effective piece for contrabassoon

and piano. I am particularly struck by how much it sounds like one of those dead (funeral)

marches, much beloved by Romantic composers.

Pianist Mark Lindeblad may have his name in somewhat smaller type on the labels of this

production, but he is an inspired collaborator. Recording engineer Craig Bauer has

balanced the two instruments superbly in this engaging CD. Robert McColly

IDRS Quarterly Journal - Vol 29, No. 1

Quarterly Journal

Of the

INTERNATIONAL

DOUBLE REED

SOCIETY

Bassoon Recording Reviews

Reviews by Ronald Klimko

McCall, Idaho

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

Bellissima: Italian Tunes for the Big Bassoon:

Susan Nigro, Contrabassoon, Mark Lindeblad, Piano.

Crystal Records (Address: Camas, WA) CD845.

In her latest recording, contrabassoon specialist Susan Nigro takes on the music by Italian

composers from Baroque to Romantic to Modern. These include music by Antonio

Vivaldi (1678-1741), Tomaso Albinoni (1671-1751), Girolamo Besozzi (1704-1778),

Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), Otmar Nussio (1902-1990) and Teresa Procaccini (1934-

), the later being the only one alive today as well as the least familiar of these famous

Italians.

Accompanied by pianist Mark Lindeblad, Susan has a lot of fun playing the various roles

that Italian music often demands. The “prima donna diva” in Rossini’s Cavatina from his

opera La Gazza Ladra is a particularly good example. But there is also the “grief

enveloped baritone voice” role she plays in Albinoni’s funeral Adago in g minor (a

beautiful performance that I found to be particularly touching); the Baroque virtuoso artist

she portrays in the Sonata in Bb Major by Besozzi and Vivaldi’s Sonata No. 3 in a minor;

and the “Romantic tenor”: required in Rossini’s Allegro (edited by William Waterhouse in

a Universal Edition).

While most of the literature on this CD was originally written for (or played most often by)

the bassoon, some of the works are contrabassoon originals. These include a lovely 4+

minute contra/piano piece by Roman-based modern composer Teresa Procaccini entitled

Moments, op. 153. This is a somber, expressive new work for the contra that, while

modern, still retains the beauty of bel canto writing for which the Italians are so famous.

Moreover, Susan also plays Otmar Nussio’s Divertimento for contrabassoon and piano, a

9+ minute, five movement composition originally composed for contra and first performed

by Fernando Ghilhardotti of the Italian-Swiss Radio Orchestra (according to the excellent

program notes). This latter work is a fun piece of witty, humorous, often tongue-in-cheek

music in Neo-Classical style which is a delight to hear.

The final work on this fine CD is a George Zuckerman arrangement of Rossini’s

Introduction, Theme and Variations from his Wind Quartet #6, a piece Rossini wrote late

in his life. And while this is again a work originally transcribed for bassoon and piano,

Susan makes it work very well for the contra. And in the process she is able to “show off”

both technically and musically in the delightful variations.

Throughout the recording Susan’s playing is superb. With her excellent musicianship and

style she often makes you forget that you are listening to a “lowly” contrabassoon (pun

intended), and you find yourself concentrating instead on the beauty of her tone, her

flawless technique, or the lovely expressiveness of her phrasing. In short, she presents the

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

contrabassoon as a musical instrument and not as a ‘freak show’, and for this she has my

deepest admiration and respect. Mark Lindeblad’s piano accompaniments match Susan’s

style and presentation perfectly as well. The recording technique, too, is excellent in terms

of balance and presence between the two instruments. This is a wonderful recording

showcase for the contrabassoon, and I recommend it strongly to you.

Rating: 3 Crows

American Record Guide - March/April 2009

AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE

MARCH/APRIL 2009

Original Tunes for the Big Bassoon

Susan Nigro, cbn; Mark Lindeblad, p

Crystal 847 - 63 minutes

The beast is alive! Susan Nigro has been promoting the serpentine-looking contrabassoon for many years, thanks to Crystal records. Here is a compilation of fresh tunes for the big bassoon.

Most of the works use piano accompaniment (Mark Lindeblad is also a bassoonist in the Chicago area). The piece that opens the program is a cheeky work called A day at the Park by Ann Marie Kurrasch. Ms Kurrasch is a composer, educator, and performer in Los Angeles. This three-movement programmatic work describes arriving and spending time in the park.

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

The next work, Little Suite for the Big Bassoon is by a former bassist of the Cincinnati Symphony, Frank Proto. It is unaccompanied, and it shows the instrument's range, capabilities, and many sonorities.

There are a couple works by fellow ARG reviewer, Elaine Fine. The first, More Greek Myths, is an exploration of musical temperaments from Apollo to Dionysus. 'Aphrodite' is the most beautiful piece. One does not ordinarily expect the "sexy voice of the contrabassoon", as Ms Fine humorously puts it, to portray the goddess of love. But, if you ever have, the moment you will not want to miss has arrived! The second work by Ms Fine is Harlequin Sonata, based on the character of the Harlequin. There is indeed good humor here.

Sandwiched in the middle of the program is a three-minute samba for the contrabassoon and piano called "ContraBassooNova". Yes, you could really dance to this - and you would be humming the tune, too.

The last work is called "Potato Polka", suitable to the instrument.

This album is delightful. If stuff like this doesn't put a smile on anyone's face, I don't know what would.

SCHWARTZ

Fanfare - March/April 2009

FANFARE

March/April 2009

Instrumental

ORIGINAL TUNES FOR THE BIG BASSOON - Susan Nigro (cbn); Mark Lindblad (pn) * CRYSTAL CD847 (63:06)

SUSAN NIGRO, CONTRABASSOON Susan Nigro (cbn); Mark Lindblad (pn) * CRYSTAL CD845 (66:13)

Susan Nigro – CD Reviews

KURRASCH A Day at the Park.1 PROTO Little Suite for the Big bassoon. ELAINE FINE More Greek Myyths.1 Harlequin Sonata.1 BJORLING Night Shadoes. Dreamscapes. STYBR ContraBassooNova.1 KOUKL Potato polca.1

I am an unabashed lover of all low tones. Organ pedals and a sonorously disciplined double bass section can drive me to near ecstasy. Ditto the contrabassoon. I love the feeling of both tone and air moving toward me with equal power. Brahms occasionally wrote eloquently for that instrument in his orchestrations, as did Beethoven. The finale of Brahms's First Symphony employs a deeply moving contrabassoon line in its introduction that is seldom heard on recordings, but which is often writ large during live performances. And then there is the contrabassoon opening of Ravel's Piano Concerto for the Left Hand, where the tones seem to be emanating from the very bowels of the earth.

Susan Nigro is a Chicago-born contrabassoonist who has proven to be, over the years, its most eloquent advocate. Many moons ago, long before Fanfare was on the internet, I reviewed GM release (2069) by her titled "The Bass Nightingale," and found it most fascinating. The repertoire was by Erwin Schulhof, Burrill Philips, Carl Phillip Stamitz, and Gunther Schuller. Here she is continuing her mission to make the contrabassoon a legitimate solo instrument. Toward that end, she has commissioned numerous pieces from our current crop of highly gifted composers. This Crystal release bears the latest fruits of that endeavor, offering a fine stylistic cross section that demonstrates both Nigro's virtuosity and her affective compass.

Some of this music is disarmingly amiable (Ann Marie Kurrasch's A Day at the Park); some of it is variously abstract and jazzy (Frank Proto's Little Suite for the Big Bassoon and Joel Bjorling's Dreamscapes); and some of it is mere fun (Giorgio Koukl's Potato polca).

The release demonstrates both Nigro's virtuosity and the powers of invention of our current crop of composers. The bottom line, however, is that she can make her instrument sing and articulate like a nightingale, and here her art has been captured in fine sound, occasionally aided by a splendid pianist, Mark Lindeblad, who is himself also a bassoonist. William Zagorski

Susan Nigro – Press Quotes & Testimonials

"Susan Nigro is a veritable Paganini of the contrabassoon...the instrument sings like a basso profundo and is allowed to be amorous, graceful, classical, and even a little noble." Raymond Tuttle - Fanfare Magazine, recordings reviewer "I am simply flabbergasted by the beauty of Susan's playing." Sol Schoenbach - retired bassoonist, Philadelphia Orchestra "Susan Nigro's musicality simply glows...she has found a way to overcome the 'lumbering elephant' reputation of the contrabassoon and make it obey her every command...a worthy musical experience...Susan Nigro is single-handedly creating a complete repertory for the contrabassoon - one that not only supplies players with recital material, but also contributes to the enrichment of new music generally...she is the world's best exponent of the monstrous contrabassoon and tames the beast with no fear at all, having it sing and swoon." Ritter - American Record Guide, new releases reviewer "Susan has a formidable technique." Graham Powning - composer, Australia "Chicago-based contrabassoonist Susan Nigro reveals the lyrical possibilities of this unwieldy instrument...and playing of exceptional delicacy...offering Nigro a chance to show off her amazing dexterity...it's really Nigro's artistry that's on display...and Nigro effortlessly negotiates the melodic twists and turns." Andrew Farach-Colton - Barnes and Noble, music reviewer "Susan's unique dedication with an 'unsoloistic' instrument reminds me of the great Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia...perhaps, in her own special way, she is for her instrument what Segovia was for his instrument." Larry Singer - composer, U.S.A.

Susan Nigro – Press Quotes & Testimonials

"Susan has done wonders for the contra bassoon in the U.S." Russell Hinkle - director, Northern Hills Bassoon Ensemble "This is fantastic contrabassoon playing...Ms. Nigro has technique to spare...The most striking thing is the wonderful warm full tone she gets out of the instrument in all pitch ranges - quite an achievement in itself. The playing is also beautifully and musically phrased." Francis Firth & Grant Green - www.contrabass.com, website discography pages "Susan is doing remarkable things with the contrabassoon...we applaud her efforts and achievements." Matthew Aredizzone - executive director, Great Lakes Performing Artist Associates

"Susan Nigro's beautiful album sees it (the contrabassoon) as an absolute protagonist...and is able to make it into a palpitating, living thing - more than other instruments...thanks to Susan Nigro for giving the big bassoon breath, soul, fingers and emotions." Giovanni Pietro Scazzola - Il Bifolko, RadioGold (Italy)

"I really regard Susan Nigro as a top player." Gunther Schuller - composer, conductor "Susan gives a sparkling and rich-sounding performance...making it all sound 'so easy'...she seems to be able to find the greatest lyricism possible...which makes the contra less of a 'beast' and more of a logical extension downward of the beauty of the bassoon...this contrabassoon virtuoso has done much to increase both the literature and popularity of her beloved instrument." Ronald Klimko - International Double Reed Society, CD reviewer "Susan Nigro's sound all-around is the best I have yet heard...she must be the best contra player in the world." Val Kennedy - retired contrabassoonist, London Philharmonic Orchestra

Susan Nigro – Press Quotes & Testimonials

"What Susan and her instrument offer is a delight to the ear." Gary Karr - double bass, soloist/recitalist

"Sue is really remarkable, and what she has done for the contrabassoon deserves a Nobel Prize and an Olympic Medal." Ian Warman - bassoon instructor, Valparaiso University

"From the magazine 'Fanfare', Susan Nigro is praised as the 'Paganini of the Contrabassoon'. It is right that she has these affirmations of praise. It is certainly not every day that you will hear...the beautiful side of this instrument, an instrument that is otherwise ridiculed in the orchestra." B.H. - CD reviewer, IGEB (Germany) "To Susan: In recognition of your outstanding achievement in the field of music, Francis Coppola Presents would like to congratulate you...You are an inspiration to the global community." Francis Coppola, proprietor / Erle Martin, president

"Thanks again to Susan for performing with us...I've heard nothing but raves." Lawrence Rapchak - conductor, Northbrook Symphony Orchestra

"Susan Nigro has established a rare career on this characterful device (the contrabassoon)...Let's hear it for interesting people...Nigro's verve and virtuosity bring an irresistible charm and interest to...the music...this is a highly engaging venture." Peter Burwasser - Fanfare Magazine, recordings reviewer "The contrabassoon as a unique musical idiom becomes a rare musical experience of artistic viability in the hands of virtuoso Susan Nigro." Dieter Kober - conductor, Chicago Chamber Orchestra

"Susan is a sensitive virtuoso, and this breed is hard to come by." John Bavicchi - composer, teacher

Susan Nigro – Press Quotes & Testimonials

"Susan has single-handedly built an impressive collection of legitimate contrabassoon solo works...she has made a valuable contribution to the music world, one that will last forever...the art of the contrabassoon performance will be elevated by her dedication and artistry for many years to come...Susan has a beautiful singing quality on the instrument...she is the number one Contra Bassoonist in the world." Burl Lane - contrabassoonist, Chicago Symphony Orchestra

"Susan's sound is really beautiful...I'm totally blown away...She is amazing...No one has done more for the contrabassoon than her." Juan DeGomar - contrabassoonist, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

"I am very privileged to have had Sue commission three pieces from me...her artistry doth inspire indeed." P. Kellach Waddle - composer, conductor "Susan is a wizard on the contrabassoon...her performance is outstanding...her sound is velvety, even, technically brilliant, and naturally musical...I admire her work...What a fabulous ambassador for the instrument she is....!." Belinda Edwards - Australasian Double Reed Society, contrabassoonist "I really like the way Susan plays my music...she should be very proud of this accomplishment. It is spectacular." Barton Cummings - composer, tubist "Sue Nigro is the best contrabassoonist anywhere." Dianne Ryan - bassoonist, New Philharmonic of DuPage "Susan's versatility on the contrabassoon is phenomenal...The most memorable concert of 2003, for me, was one of her contrabassoon recitals...She gave the contrabassoon a personality, and by golly, it sang - beautifully...To my appreciation of the double-reed family, I now add the contrabassoon, thanks to her artistry." David Stybr - coordinator, Mensa Classical Music Group

Susan Nigro – Press Quotes & Testimonials

"Each CD keeps getting better and better...I'd like to give Susan my review with a rating of 4 Stars!!!!" Carol Hopwood - bassoonist, LakeShore Symphony Orchestra "It is amazing how much Susan has done for the Contrabassoon world." Robert Roennes - bassoonist/contrabassoonist, Norway

"Sue is much more than 'a musician'. She is considered to be the 'world's premier contrabassoon soloist'." Katie - Colloquy High IQ Society "I am a great fan of Sue's...her sound is a dream!...Over and over again, she is proving that a contrabassoon can...sound so noble." Barbara Ann Schmutzler - contrabassoonist, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra "Susan's personal legacy for the contrabassoon literature has been tremendous." Ruth Laudenslager - Laudenslager Music Productions

Susan Nigro – Repertoire

THE "PREMIER" CONTRABASSOONIST

Susan L. Nigro, in her quest for contrabassoon solo literature, has premiered more solo works for this traditionally unsoloistic instrument than any other musician. All of these works were premiered by Ms. Nigro; works with an * were written for her; some works are published: (1) Jeanne, Inc. (2) Lux Nova Press (3) Musik Fabrik (4) Liben Music Publishers

* Aragón Espresso for 2 contrabassoons - Premier performance TBA

* Baldwin Sonata for Contrabassoon TBA

* Waddle Dreams of Findland (for Solo Contrabassoon) - New York

University 8/8/14

* Waddle Contrabassoon Duo with Roger Soren - New York

University 8/8/14

* Aragón Sonata for Bassoon - University of Arkansas 2/7/14

* Churchill Firepit (for Solo Contrabassoon) - Chicago State University 9/24/13

* Aragón Little Suite for Big Bassoon - Eastern New Mexico

University 4/10/13

* Bjorling Classical Funk (for solo Contrabassoon) TBA

* Bjorling Hydesville / 1848 (for solo Contrabassoon) TBA

* Bjorling Blackfoot Dawn (for Contrabassoon, tom-tom, and flute -

Chicago State University 9/24/13

* Silberstein Duo for English Horn and Contrabassoon - Chicago State University

9/24/13

* Baldwin One Blue Trio for Contrabassoon Trio TBA

* Dorsch Vinaigrette for Contrabassoon and Piano - Chicago State University

9/24/13

* Fine More Greek Myths for Contrabassoon and Piano - Saint Xavier University

9/10/07

* Bjorling Dreamscapes: Three Scenes for Unaccompanied

Contrabassoon - Saint Xavier University 9/10/07

* Fine Harlequin Sonata for Contrabassoon and Piano - Saint Xavier University

9/10/07

*(4) Proto Little Suite for the Big Bassoon - Saint Xavier University 9/10/07

* Stybr ContraBassooNova (Um Imaginacao do Brasil) - at

Northwestern University 10/12/06

*(2) Koukl Contravariations per Contrafagotto e Orchestra d'Archi -

with Chicago Chamber Orchestra 1/15/06

* Stybr Theme and Variations in G Minor for Contrabassoon and

Orchestra - With New Philharmonic of Du Page 2/25,26/05

* Bjorling Night Shadows: Three Unaccompanied Pieces for

Contrabassoon - at Riverside Prebyterian Church 10/17/04

* (2) Koukl Potato polca, for contrabassoon and piano at Riverside

Prebyterian Church 10/17/04

* Kurrasch A Day at the Park at Downers Grove Public Library 11/16/03

* McKenna Bagatelle for Contrabassoon and Piano at University of

Illinois/Chicago 3/04/03

* (3) Cummings Concertino for Contrabassoon at Northwestern University 11/07/02

* Waddle Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Tone Poem for Solo

Contrabassoon at Northwestern University 11/07/02

* Waddle Broken Icicle Twilight: Elegy for Contrabassoon & Piano

at Northwestern University 11/07/02

* (1) Cummings Arioso for Contrabassoon and Piano at Elmhurst College 10/11/01

* (1) Levinson Old Clock at University of Chicago 11/12/00

* Grassel Reminiscences for Contrabassoon and Piano at Arlington

Heights Memorial Library 2/13/00

* Biriotti Concerto para Contrafagot y Orquesta with Mozarteum

Orchestra of Salzburg 5/16/99

* (1) Kurrasch Ponderings from the Pond at Wilmette Public Library l/17/99

* Powning Sonata for ContraBassoon & Piano at Wilmette Public

Library 1/17/99

* (1) Doran Four Movements for Contrabassoon and Piano at Saint

Xavier University 9/28/93

Muradian Concerto, Opus 102 at Saint Xavier University 9/28/93

* Nicholson Miniature Suite for Contrabassoon and Piano at Saint

Xavier University 9/28/93

* (1) Palider The Narwhal, Opus 11 at Saint Xavier University 9/28/93

* Warren Contrabassoon Concerto, Opus 30 with Chicago Chamber

Orchestra l/17/93

* Nicholson Waltz for Contrabassoon and Piano at Valparaiso

University 9/1O/92

* (1) Draganski Heart's Desire, Fantasy after a Tune of Samuel Scheidt at

Elmhurst College 9/11/91

Muradian Concerto, Opus 85 at Elmhurst College 9/11/91

* (1) Warren Music for Contrabassoon and Piano, Opus 28 at Elmhurst

College 9/11/91

Nussio Divertimento for Contrabassoon (1st U.S. performance)

with Chicago Chamber Orchestra 9/16/90

Laudenslager Slow Dance & Quick March, from Little Suite

(pno.acc.arr.) at Clarion (PA) University 9/10/90

* Muradian Contrabassoon Concerto, Opus 86 with Chicago Chamber

Orchestra 11/12/89

Laudenslager Concertato Contra with Chicago Chamber Orchestra 2/21/88

Susan Nigro – Repertoire

Susan Nigro – Repertoire

CONCERTO LISTING - WORKS FOR CONTRABASSOON SOLO WITH ORCHESTRA (or winds, as indicated)

COMPOSER TITLE DURATION

Biriotti Concerto para Contrafagot y Orquesta 21" Corina Sonet for Contrabassoon and String Orchestra 6"

Davis Variations on a Theme by Robert Schumann (wind band)

4"

Dorff Concerto for Contrabassoon 13" Fucik "Der alte Brumbar", Op. 210 (winds or strings) 5" Gipps Leviathan, Op. 59 (winds or strings) 4" Koper Konterbande 8" Koukl Contravariations per Contrafagotto e Orchestra d'Archi 8" Laudenslager Concertato Contra 15" McCoy Vignette: "And Death Shall..." strings 3" Milde/Weait Tarantella, Op. 20 (winds OR strings) 2"

Morais Concertino para Contrafagote e Orquestra de Cordas 14"

Mozart Concerto in Bb (original - bassoon) 18" Muradian Contrabassoon Concerto, Op. 86 strings 14" Nicholson Impromptu 6" Nussio Divertimento for Contrabassoon and Strings 10" Ridout Fred Barlow at the Opera Comique 2" Schuller Concerto for Contrabassoon and Orchestra 27" Stamitz Concerto in F (original - bassoon) 19"

Stybr Theme and Variations in G Minor for Contrabassoon and Orchestra

18"

Warren Concerto for Contrabassoon and Chamber Orchestra, Op. 30

12"

Weissenborn/Weait Capriccio, Op. 14 (sm. orch. OR wind ens.) 4"

Works are currently available for performance. Scores, cassettes, and information about the pieces and composers are available upon request.

Susan Nigro – Performance History

SOLOIST HISTORY

Mozarteum Orchestra of Salzburg - 5/16/99 S.O.D.R.E. of Montevideo - 10/23/99 (+ 10/21 Master class in Buenos Aires)

Rome Festival Orchestra - 7/8,22,23/00 Omaha Symphony Orchestra - 3/9,11/95

43rd Annual IDRS Conference - 8/8/14 35th Annual IDRS Conference - 7/26/06 Evanston Symphony Orchestra - 6/5/05 West Suburban Concert Band - 4/10/05

Salt Creek Sinfonietta - 3/13/05 New Philharmonic of Du Page - 2/25,26/05 + Master class, 4/16,17/93

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra - 11/15/03 32nd Annual IDRS Conference - 6/20/03 Northwest Symphony Orchestra - 4/6/03

NW Indiana Symphony Orchestra - 4/7,16,17/02 Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest - 1/20/02

Chicago Chamber Orchestra - 1/15/06, 1/16/05,1/6/02, 4/14/96, 5/9/93, 1/17/93, 10/13/91, 12/30/90, 9/16/90, 11/12/89, 3/6/88, 2/21/88

30th Annual IDRS Conference - 8/7/01 Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra - 3/18/01

North Suburban Symphony - 11/14/99 28th Annual IDRS Conference - 8/10/99

Des Plaines Community Concert Band - 6/7/98 26th Annual IDRS Conference - 6/28/97 Triton College Concert Band - 5/19/97

Southern IL University Symphony Orchestra - 11/5/96 (+Master class) 25th Annual IDRS Conference - 6/5/96 Saint Xavier Concert Band - 11/20/94 Wood Dale Municipal Band - 9/18/94

23rd Annual IDRS Conference - 8/12/94 Harper Chamber Orchestra - 4/1/94

Hinsdale Chamber Orchestra - 1/22/94

Susan Nigro – Performance History

22nd Annual IDRS Conference - 7/28/93 New Philharmonic of Du Page - 4/16,17/93

Du Page Symphony Orchestra - 3/19/93, 10/17/92 Vander Cook Symphonic Band - 12/18/92, 7/16/92

Chicago Pops Concert Band - 9/13/92 Bensenville Municipal Band - 8/21/92

Evanston-Ridgeville Band - 5/17/92 Arlington Heights Community Band - 4/26/92

20th Annual IDRS Conference - 8/15/91 Chicago Orchestral Ensemble - 4/9/91

RECITALIST HISTORY

New York University - 8/8/14 2nd Presbyterian Church - 5/14/14

The People's Music School - 5/21/14 The Merit School of Music - 3/15/14

University of Arkansas - 2/7/14 Chicago State University - 9/10/13 (faculty recital)

Eastern New Mexico University - 4/10/13 (+Master class) Riverside Township Hall Auditorium - 9/10/10

Columbia College of Chicago - 4/27/08 Chicago Piano SuperStore - 11/17/07

DePaul University - 10/25/07 Saint Xavier University - 9/10/07, 9/28/93

Northwestern University- 10/12/06, 11/7/02 (+Master class), 6/28/97, 10/14/96, 10/13/90

Ball State University - 7/25/06 St. Luke's Lutheran Church - 10/23/04

Riverside Presbyterian Church - 10/17/04 Daley Center Plaza - 4/12/04

Fond du Lac Community Concert Association - 3/28/04 Glenview New Church - 2/1/04

Downers Grove Public Library - 11/16/03

Susan Nigro – Performance History

Chicago Music Mart - 7/23/03, 7/28/97, 7/1/96, 7/25/94 University of North Carolina at Greensboro - 6/19,21/03

Saint Vincent De Paul Church - 6/8/03 University of Illinois at Chicago - 3/4/03

University of Chicago - 11/10/02, 10/27/91 Chicago Cultural Affairs Department "Miles of Music" - 6/21/02

Maud Powell Music Festival - 6/15/02 Bradley University - 3/6,7/02 (+ Master class)

WFMT: "Live from Studio One" - 2/18/02, 10/7/96 CSO Radiothons - 4/18/98, 4/19/97

Sulzer Regional Library - 2/3/02 Harper College - 11/8/01

Concordia University - 10/18/01, 9/18/94, 9/24/92 Elmhurst College - 10/11/01, 9/11/91

West Virginia University - 8/7/01 NW Chapter of Lyric Opera Guild - 4/22/01

Northern IL University - 4/2/01 4th Presbyterian Church of Chicago - 3/23/01

Butler (IN) University - 1/20/02 (+ Master class) 1st United Methodist Church of Downers Grove - 10/22/00

Arlington Heights Memorial Library - 2/13/00 Wheaton College Conservatory of Music - 10/4/99

University of Wisconsin at Madison - 8/10/99 Park City (UT) International Music Festival - 7/30/99

Grand Teton (WY) Music Festival - 7/6/99 Harold Washington Library - 2/16/99, 8/12/95, 1/26/93

Wilmette Public Library - 1/17/99 Illinois State University - 10/22/96 (+ Master class)

Florida State University - 6/5/96 Barrington Area Arts Council - 5/5/96 Northbrook Public Library - 12/10/95

Italian Cultural Center - 9/22/95 Preston Bradley Hall - 10/8/94

Valparaiso University - 10/18/94, 9/17/92 Roosevelt University - 9/13/94, 9/25/92, 10/16/90

Susan Nigro – Performance History

Indiana University - 8/12/94 Ohio State University - 1/8/94 (+ Master class)

North Lakeside Cultural Center - 10/31/93 Pilgrim Congregational Church - 10/3/93

University of Minnesota - 7/28/93 Beverly Arts Center - 9/17/92 Skokie Public Library - 2/9/92

Northeastern IL University - 1/31/92 (+ Master class) North Park College - 10/1/91

Towson (MD) State University - 8/15/91 Vander Cook College of Music - 11/6/90

The MERIT Program - 10/27/90 Clarion (PA) University - 9/10/90 (+ Master class)

Interlochen Arts Academy - 4/21/89

FREELANCE ORCHESTRAL HISTORY

This listing includes engagements as a substitute, extra, or contract player, and organizational

associations which are current, occasional, or previous in nature.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra - (permanent substitute: 2008 - 2013) Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra

Rome Festival Orchestra Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

Fort Wayne Philharmonic Grant Park Music Festival Orchestra

Nutcracker Ballet Orchestra Grand Teton Music Festival Orchestra

Lyric Opera Orchestra Ravinia Festival Orchestra

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Chamber Orchestra Lake Forest Symphony

Susan Nigro – Performance History

New Philharmonic of Du Page

Elgin Symphony Orchestra Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra Glenview Symphony Orchestra

Chicago Pops Orchestra Hinsdale Chamber Orchestra Suburban Summer Symphony

Loyola Chamber Orchestra Northbrook Symphony Orchestra

Park Ridge Civic Orchestra Kenosha Symphony Orchestra

Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra Wheaton Summer Symphony

Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra West Suburban Symphony

Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra Harper Symphony Orchestra

Evanston Symphony Orchestra Fox Valley Symphony Orchestra

Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra Southwest Symphony Orchestra Lakeshore Symphony Orchestra Southport Symphony Orchestra

Southside Family Chamber Orchestra Lake Bluff Sinfonietta

Susan Nigro – Performance History

Recent/Current/Upcoming Performances

~Posted 04/02/14~

8/8/2014

10:30 AM

Guest Artist Recital - 43rd Annual IDRS Conference

Shorin Recital Hall, New York University

5/14/2014

6:00 PM

Recital, with Chicago Bassoon Quartet - 2nd Presbyterian Church

1936 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60616

3/21/2014

7:30 PM

Guest Artist Recital - The People's Music School

931 W. Eastwood,Chicago, IL 60640

3/15/2014

11:50 AM

Guest Artist Recital - The Merit School of Music

38 S. Peoria St, Chicago, IL 60607

2/7/2014

7:30 PM

Premier of Jared Aragón's Sonata for Bassoon - University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AK Residency: February 5 through 7

9/24/2013

11:00 AM

Faculty Recital

Chicago State University - 9501 S. King, Chicago, IL

2012 - 2013

Part time lecturer in bassoon

Chicago State University - 9501 S. King, Chicago, IL