Brian Kershner

Brian Kershner, composer and bassoonist, has written for virtually every medium, but has been especially prolific in composing for wind instruments, contributing numerous works that feature the bassoon. Particularly notable among these are the Sonata for Bassoon and Piano (1989), Portraits, a concerto for bassoon and orchestra, (2000), American Songs, for bassoon, tenor and chamber orchestra (1996), Aftermath (2003), and numerous chamber works. He has recently been composing a collection of pieces for bassoon and one other instrument in a series called Perspectives, having completed settings pairing with guitar, flute, erhu, and still in process, bass clarinet. Many of his works are published by Bocal Music (now part of Trevco/Varner), Northeastern Publications and others. He has been a recipient of many ASCAP/PLUS awards since 2007, and many of his works are available on CD and through Naxos. As a bassoonist, Dr. Kershner is known throughout the United States as a performer and teacher. He had been Principal Bassoonist with New Jersey's Riverside Symphonia since the orchestra's inception, only recently resigning to devote more time to work in Connecticut. He has performed with Concerto Soloists of Philadelphia, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Jupiter Symphony in New York, Manhattan Chamber Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony. Dr. Kershner has been a frequent invited performer at conferences of the International Double Reed Society. Brian Kershner is currently Professor of Music at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut. He has previously served on the faculties of Rutgers University, Baylor University and University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Official Brian Kershner Website.