Wouter Verschuren is an internationally active historical bassoonist who performs regularly throughout Europe and the United States. His repertoire spans from the Renaissance to the Romantic period. He is principal bassoonist of the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Ton Koopman and is a frequent guest with other leading period orchestras, including the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, the Netherlands Bach Society, La Petite Bande, and the Academy of Ancient Music.
Wouter appears regularly as a soloist and is active in many international chamber music ensembles. He is also a founding member of Caecilia-Concert and Ensemble De La Borde. Specializing in the performance and research of 16th- and 17th-century music as well as later repertoire, he performs widely in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Together with harpsichordist and fortepianist Kathryn Cok, he released a world-premiere recording of previously unknown sonatas by Nikolaus von Krufft, enthusiastically received by the international press. His most recent solo CD, The Elegant Bassoon, presents virtuosic chamber music with a prominent role for the bassoon.
He can also be heard on numerous orchestral and chamber music recordings on labels such as Sony, Alpha, Erato, and Antoine Marchand, and participated in the complete recordings of the Bach and Buxtehude cantatas with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra.
Alongside his performing career, Wouter teaches at the Royal College of Music in London and the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague. He gives masterclasses throughout Europe, the United States, and the Middle East, and regularly coaches at international early music festivals. He was awarded a PhD from the Royal College of Music in London for his research into forgotten repertoire for the dulcian and historical bassoon. In addition to performing and teaching, Wouter is a prolific writer. His publications include Bassus, Giants of the Dulcian Family, and The Baroque Bassoon Book, and his articles regularly appear in leading professional journals. Fascinated by the instruments he performs on, he also builds shawms and makes and sells bocals for historical bassoons.
Ontdek de klankrijkdom van de barokfagot en dulciaan
Tijdens het Internationaal Barok Festival Zutphen nodigt gerenommeerd fagottist Wouter Verschuren dulciaan- en barokfagotspelers uit om samen te werken aan het verdiepen van hun spel op deze expressieve historische instrumenten. Onder zijn bezielende leiding komen historische blaasinstrumenten tot leven in consort- en kamermuziekbezettingen, waarbij authentieke speelpraktijk en expressieve vrijheid centraal staan. De deelnemers vormen samen een levendig dulciaanconsort en oboe band, waarin samenspel, klankkleur en stijlgevoel hand in hand gaan.
Het festival biedt daarnaast ruimte voor persoonlijke verdieping via masterclasses en individuele coachingsessies voor gevorderde spelers.
Aandacht wordt besteed aan klankvorming, articulatie en interpretatie binnen de historische uitvoeringspraktijk.
Laat u meevoeren door de warme, gelaagde klank van de dulciaan en het levendige karakter van de barokfagot – en ervaar hoe deze instrumenten de barokmuziek laten ademen en resoneren.
Discover the sonic richness of the Baroque bassoon and dulcian
During the International Baroque Festival Zutphen, renowned bassoonist Wouter Verschuren invites dulcian and Baroque bassoon players to collaborate in deepening their playing on these expressive historical instruments.
Under his inspired guidance, historical wind instruments come to life in consort and chamber music settings, with authentic performance practice and expressive freedom at the core. Participants form a vibrant dulcian consort and oboe band, where ensemble playing, tone color, and stylistic awareness go hand in hand.
The festival also offers opportunities for personal development through masterclasses and individual coaching sessions for advanced players. Special attention is given to tone production, articulation, and interpretation within historical performance practice.
Let yourself be carried away by the warm, layered sound of the dulcian and the lively character of the Baroque bassoon—and experience how these instruments allow Baroque music to breathe and resonate.
