Richard Ion

Richard Ion is a Professor of Bassoon at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), his alma mater, and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. He serves as Principal Bassoonist of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. His academic roles and orchestral career are deeply intertwined, with extensive experience in major orchestras across Europe and beyond.

Education: Studied bassoon at RNCM under Simon Durnford, David Chatwin, and Peter Whelan, with additional mentorship from Sergio Azzolini, Dag Jensen, and Ole Kristian Dahl. Early career included high-demand freelance work with orchestras like the BBC Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, and The Hallé, alongside European Union Youth Orchestra tours.

Research/Performance Focus: Specializes in bassoon performance, orchestral repertoire, and pedagogy. His work emphasizes technical mastery and adaptability in diverse orchestral settings. Key affiliations include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (recording at Abbey Road Studios and international tours) and teaching roles at RNCM and Guildhall.

Personal Achievements: Completed the UK Ironman triathlon in Bolton (2018), showcasing dedication to physical and artistic discipline.