Scotland’s oboe and bassoon community is tuning up for an annual celebration that turns the spotlight on double reed instruments.

Players, professionals and educators will join forces at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on Saturday 14 February for the annual Double Reed festival, where musicians of all ages will be immersed in performances, workshops and ensembles.

Presented in partnership with the British Double Reed Society and sponsored by instrument manufacturer Buffet Crampon, the festival includes practical sessions led by RCS tutors and guest artists, including Hélène Devilleneuve, principal oboe with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, and the Genovia Bassoon Quartet, comprised of RCS Woodwind alumni.

Participants can take part in performance classes, studio sessions for Grades 1–5, tutored ensembles and a mass play-together. The festival also features reed-making demonstrations, instrument maintenance advice and opportunities to try larger instruments such as contra bassoon and cor anglais. Traders will be present with instruments, reeds, sheet music and accessories.

Heather Nicoll, Head of Woodwind at RCS, said: “The Double Reed festival is a valuable opportunity for young players and professionals to work together, share experience and focus on the distinctive skills involved in double reed playing.

“The festival also shines a light on the double reed world and celebrates the music these instruments bring to life. We’re also looking forward to welcoming our guest artists to RCS – including our alumni – who will share their incredible artistry with audiences and bring their insights and experiences to students in their performance classes.”

The Genovia Quartet – Rhiannon Carmichael, Gillian Horn, Gregory Crowley and Victoria López – is a dynamic bassoon ensemble of four Royal Conservatoire of Scotland graduates.

Since forming in 2015, they have explored an eclectic repertoire across many genres and time periods, creating unique arrangements of iconic works.

The members are in-demand orchestral and chamber bassoonists, performing with ensembles such as the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, and Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and are also active educators at institutions including RCS and Sistema Scotland.

Hélène Devilleneuve won the Tokyo International Competition in 1994 and was appointed Principal Oboe of the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France in 1995, performing worldwide under leading conductors.

As a soloist, she has performed a wide concerto repertoire from Mozart and Strauss to Ligeti and Messiaen, and as a chamber musician, has collaborated with artists and ensembles at major festivals in France and internationally.

She has premiered numerous works and was the dedicatee of Philippe Hurel’s oboe concerto, premiered in 2022 with the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France.

Alongside the Double Reed festival, the Woodwind department is driving the Double Reed Rescue initiative that is responding to declining numbers of oboe and bassoon learners. Funded by an RCS Athenaeum Award, the project supports teachers and students and aims to strengthen long-term provision across Scotland.

Recent outreach activity has seen RCS staff and students working with young musicians in collaboration with West Dunbartonshire Council Music Service.

Bassoon lecturer David Hubbard and oboe lecturer Peter Dykes, alongside students and local woodwind instructors, recently led a day of solo and ensemble sessions for school pupils.

As well as outreach, the project also includes practical workshops for woodwind instructors, online double reed SOS clinics, digital teaching resources and ‘Come and Play’ sessions for young musicians.

Woodwind lecturer Jenny Stephenson, who leads the project, said: “Double Reed Rescue recognises the challenges facing double reed teaching in Scotland. By bringing teachers and performers together, we’re working towards practical and sustainable ways to support learners.”

Heather Nicoll added: “We’re grateful to the instructors across Scotland who have contributed their expertise, to Jenny for leading the project, and to the British Double Reed Society for its support.”

Book tickets for the Double Reed festival at the RCS Box Office.

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