The New York Times describes bassoonist TIMOTHY MCGOVERN as "an extraordinary talent with expressive warmth and amazing agility." Currently Professor of Bassoon at the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign and Principal Bassoonist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Timothy has performed with a vast number of world class ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Formerly the Associate Principal Bassoon of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra where he met fellow quintet member David Griffin, Timothy toured with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra across North and South America, Europe, and the Far East. His most noted solo appearance with that orchestra was for a sold-out Carnegie Hall performance of Britten's War Requiem. His solo repertoire also includes concerti by Mozart and Weber, and works by Richard Strauss and Vanhal.
Timothy was the Winner of the Performers of Connecticut Solo Competition which led him to be heard on New York's WQXR "Rising Stars" series. As winner of the East/West Artists Solo Competition, he concertized at Weill Recital Hall, at Carnegie Hall, New York.
Timothy has recorded approximately 30 CD's (including several Grammy and Juno winners) of diverse orchestral and chamber music for London/Decca, Zephyr, Arabesque, Albany, Boston, and the CBC. He studied at Northwestern University and the University of Michigan, and was honored with a Tanglewood Fellowship for two summers.
Timothy McGovern lives in Champaign, Illinois, with his wife, two children, and their golden retriever Sophie. His daughter Caitlin plays the oboe and sings in the Central Illinois Children's Choir. His son James plays baseball and the tuba. His wife Sarah is a high school band director and oboist.
