Works for Bassoon

"It is clear that Geoghegan has spent her life so far working hard and nurturing her abilities, under the careful guidance of some excellent teachers, such as Janet Bloxwich and John Orford. With a disc such as this, it is impossible not to take the bassoon, and Karen Geoghegan, seriously."
(MusicWeb Recording of the Month June 2008)

Currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music with John Orford, nineteen-year-old Karen Geoghegan came to the attention of the British public late last year following her appearance as a finalist on Classical Star, a BBC reality programme. She proved immensely popular with the public and judges alike, and brought much needed attention to the bassoon, which has, to some great extent, been neglected as a solo instrument. The cellist Matthew Barley who was mentor and presenter of the show says of Karen, 'with her sound and focus she is already one of the great wind players in the country'. Chandos' Managing Director, Ralph Couzens, was so impressed by Karen's performance that he contacted Karen the day following the broadcast, and offered her a contract.

For her first CD with Chandos, it was decided to focus on the repertoire performed for the show. Hummel's Bassoon Concerto, the centrepiece of the album, is complemented by Elgar's Romance, Berwald's rarely recorded Konzertstück, Weber's Andante and Hungarian Rondo, Carl Jacobi's Introduction and Polonaise and a beautiful arrangement of Gershwin's 'Summertime'. Each work demonstrates Karen's ability as a performer of outstanding quality. Benjamin Wallfisch conducts the Orchestra of Opera North.

In 2008, the competition year, Karen gives a concert at Fulham Palace on 10 June, and will be appear as a soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on 22 June. She will spend the summer months touring as a soloist with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, conducted by Gary Walker. Amidst all this performing activity she will also be recording her second disc for Chandos.