George Sakakeeny

George Sakakeeny is a Professor of Bassoon at the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), with a sabbatical planned for the 2025-2026 academic year. He previously taught at Oberlin Conservatory for 28 years, served as a visiting professor at Simon Bolivar University in Venezuela, and holds an honorary guest professor title at the Central Conservatory of Music in China. His career spans decades as a soloist, educator, and principal bassoonist in renowned orchestras.

• Former principal bassoon positions: New Japan Philharmonic, Handel & Haydn Society of Boston, Opera Company of Boston, Boston Musica Viva, Promusica Chamber Orchestra, CityMusic Cleveland.
• Seasonal faculty roles: Principal bassoonist and teacher at Eastern Music Festival and Round Top Festival Institute.

A celebrated performer, Sakakeeny has collaborated with orchestras globally, including the Cleveland Orchestra and New Japan Philharmonic, and premiered commissioned works by Libby Larsen, Peter Schickele, and Alexander Blechinger. He authored the i-book Making Reeds Start to Finish and contributed to educational media such as teaching videos for the New World Symphony.

His pedagogical influence extends through masterclasses at institutions like the Paris Conservatory, Juilliard School, and Tchaikovsky National Music Academy. Sakakeeny also mentored educators and performers in Venezuela’s El Sistema, impacting symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, and universities across North/South America and the Far East.