Keith Buncke

About Keith

Keith Buncke began his tenure as Principal Bassoon of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in July 2015, having been appointed to the position by Music Director Riccardo Muti. He previously served as Principal Bassoon of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, a post he was appointed to in 2014 while still attending the Curtis Institute of Music.

At the age of eleven, Buncke heard a recording of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto no. 1, with prominent parts for the oboe and bassoon, and was immediately struck by the sound of bassoon. Growing up in Portland, Oregon, he went on to study at the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Curtis Institute. He has also studied at the Pacific, Tanglewood, and Aspen music festivals, as well as Music Academy of the West. His principal teachers include Daniel Matsukawa, Dr. Eric Stomberg, and Mark Eubanks.

Working with acclaimed artists like pianist Mitsuko Uchida and violinist Vadim Gluzman, Buncke has performed chamber music both in Chicago and around the country at festivals like Marlboro Music Festival and La Jolla Music Society. He has been a frequent guest artist and teacher at Aspen Music Festival and the Interlochen Academy and Camp, and has given masterclasses at universities across the country. He is an adjunct faculty at DePaul University.