Performances + Events
Earlier this month, bassoonist Heejeong Jeong ’26 MM was named the winner of NEC’s Woodwind/Brass/Percussion/Harp/Guitar/Double Bass Concerto Competition, at which she performed Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto in B-flat major, K. 191. As a result of winning the competition, Jeong will appear as the soloist with the NEC Symphony in a Jan. 29 program led by conductor Paul Biss. We spoke with Jeong about the Mozart Bassoon Concerto, the Concerto Competition, and why she chose to study at NEC.
Q: Why did you select the Mozart Concerto for the competition? Did you know the piece prior to preparing for the competition?
A: Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto is one of the most iconic pieces in the bassoon repertoire and is also one of the most frequently requested pieces in auditions worldwide. Its technical demands and emotional depth make it a significant challenge for any performer. I chose this piece for the competition because, although I was already familiar with it, I felt it was the piece on which I needed the most improvement. Through this competition, I aimed to grow and develop as a musician, and I truly feel that I achieved substantial progress during the preparation process. Participating in the Concerto Competition has allowed me to take my skills to the next level, and I am deeply grateful to have achieved a positive outcome, as well.
Q: What was the competition experience like? Have you participated in other concerto competitions?
A: This was my first concerto competition. It was both a significant challenge and an incredibly rewarding experience. Through preparing for the competition, I was able to not only develop technically but also gain a deeper musical understanding of the piece. Moreover, it was a meaningful opportunity to learn how to express myself even under pressure.
Q: Will you play the same concerto with the NEC Symphony on Jan. 29? Have you performed a concerto with an orchestra before? What are you looking forward to in terms of that performance?
A: I will perform the same piece, Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto. This will mark my first concerto performance in the United States and my first ever experience playing with an orchestra. I am both excited and nervous, but above all, I feel deeply grateful and thrilled to have the opportunity to share my music with the audience. I hope this performance will allow me to genuinely convey my musical expression and the unique charm of the bassoon.
Q: Who do you study with at NEC and why did you choose this program?
A: I am currently studying under Richard Svoboda, the established principal bassoonist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I believed that studying with him would allow me to grow significantly as a musician. It is a great honor to work with him, as he is not only a professor who gives me invaluable knowledge but also a mentor who guides me on my musical journey.
Q: What if anything would you want the audience to know about the piece before hearing it?
A: The Mozart Bassoon Concerto I will be performing is the only surviving bassoon concerto composed by Mozart. It begins with a lively first movement in sonata form, followed by a lyrical second movement inspired by the theme of ‘Porgi, amor’ from Act II of his opera Le nozze di Figaro, and concludes with a dance-like third movement in rondo form. In particular, the cadenza I will play in the second movement closely follows the melody of ‘Porgi, amor.’ If you imagine the Countess’s poignant sadness from this aria while listening, you may find it easier to connect with the piece’s emotions and narrative. Additionally, this concerto showcases Mozart’s masterful balance, with the bassoon and orchestra engaging in a dialogue-like interaction. I hope that through my performance people can experience the bassoon’s charm, versatility, and wide range.
Heejeong Jeong ’26 MM will perform Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto with the NEC Symphony in a Jan. 29 program led by Paul Biss.
