He takes over on 1 February from Keith Bragg, who retires after nearly 20 years of exceptional service and leadership.
Fraser is the Principal Contrabassoon of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and a regular guest player (on the bassoon and contra) with all the London orchestras and many other UK and international ensembles, including Aurora Orchestra and World Orchestra for Peace. He is a highly respected teacher and coach, with experience working with students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and more recently at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and the Academy, where he was appointed a professor of bassoon in 2015. Fraser is a regular visitor at specialist music schools as well as taking a leading role in Resound, the RPO’s education programme.
A former member of the Board of Directors of the RPO, Fraser is an experienced administrator and has presided over many key decisions in its recent history as well as representing the sector in the media. Most recently, he was a host of the 16th International Tchaikovsky Competition, broadcasting live across the globe.
The Academy’s Principal, Jonathan Freeman-Attwood, said: ‘Fraser Gordon is a person with an extraordinary range of gifts – as performer, teacher, mentor, communicator and collaborator. I cannot think of someone better equipped to help young musicians to hone their artistic skills around the opportunities and challenges ahead. Above all, Fraser is deeply committed to education and helping every one of our woodwind students to discover their strengths and begin their professional journeys. Please join me in congratulating him on his new role.’
Image: Fiona Hanson