Spotlight | Principal Bassoon, Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair

Ann Bilderback

Ann Bilderback became the principal bassoonist of the Kansas City Symphony in 1999 and holds the Barton P. and Mary D. Cohen Chair. Prior to her appointment, she served as principal bassoonist with the Louisiana Philharmonic and second bassoonist with the Omaha Symphony. She has participated in many music festivals throughout her career, including the National Repertory Orchestra, National Orchestral Institute, Kent/Blossom Music Festival, Bowdoin International Music Festival, Round Top Festival Institute and the Spoleto Festival in Italy. Bilderback received her bachelor’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and her master’s degree from Rice University. A native of Chicago, her principal teachers were K. David Van Hoesen, John Hunt and Benjamin Kamins. She resides in Olathe, Kansas, with her husband Ken and her children, Susan and James.