Hometown:
Savage, Minnesota
Education:
University of Minnesota, Master of Music, 2025
Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, Artist Certificate, 2023
St. Olaf College, Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts, 2022
Bio:
Duncan Henry is a bassoonist who has studied under Fei Xie, Frank Morelli, and Mark Kelley. He won the National Federation for Music Clubs' Nelson Double Reed award in 2023 and is a frequent substitute bassoonist with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He enjoys exercise, cooking, and walking and talking with friends.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I came upon music by accident after joining my middle school’s band program. Finding that I was good at learning music, I pursued it more seriously and music gave me more and more in return.
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
Franz Liszt is one of my favorite composers – his piano sonata in B minor in particular is improvisatory, showy, deeply affecting, and colorful.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I also have a degree in computer science which is entirely unrelated to my music making!
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I enjoy cooking and exercising when I am not making music.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I feel I haven’t been exposed to enough large-scale orchestral works in my time as a musician. The NRO’s focus on performing a large amount of repertoire is very appealing to me. I am glad I will get the chance to play with a high level of peer and make connections to other musicians at the same time.