Adam MacKenzie

Adam MacKenzie is a Professor of Bassoon at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) and Principal Bassoonist of Opera North since December 2017. His career spans orchestral performance, chamber music, and music education. He holds degrees from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Accademia del Teatro alla Scala (Milan), and Hanover, Germany.

• Freelance career: Worked with UK orchestras including English Sinfonia and Britten Sinfonia.
• Chamber Music: Member of New London Chamber Ensemble and Chamber Domaine, performing works by Berio, Britten, and Bridge.
• Contemporary Focus: Specializes in improvisation, collaborating with Anish Kapoor and Amjad Ali Khan in India.
• Education Initiatives: Directed education programs for English Sinfonia and Brandenburg Sinfonia, leading projects with non-musicians and children.

Research interests include improvisation’s role in composition and its application in education. His work bridges classical traditions with innovative performance practices, exemplified by his staged production of Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale at London’s Old Vic Theatre.

Teaching roles include Chetham’s School of Music, emphasizing experiential learning. Beyond music, he advocates for environmental and community engagement through RNCM’s Innovate programs.