Kathleen McLean, Associate Professor of Bassoon at the Jacobs School of Music, is an internationally recognized solo, chamber and orchestral musician, recitalist and teacher. She held the position as Associate Principal Bassoon of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra from 1992-2013 and was one of the youngest principal players to join the orchestra at age 23.
Since 2001, she has toured extensively with the prestigious World Orchestra for Peace. This orchestra was designated and awarded the UNESCO Artist for Peace in 2010 for its work in advancing the aims and ideas of the organization stands for which is to use music as a universal language of peace that crosses all borders and brings people together by reminding them of everything they share. This orchestra comprises of players from 30 nationalities from all regions of the world promoting intercultural dialogue and peace and is committed to bring musical education to the younger generations.
She is a member of leading Canadian touring chamber ensemble Octagon which has received acclaim both in Canada and internationally. Many of the members of the group hold major teaching positions at music schools in the US and UK as well as in Canada.
Kathleen’s former orchestral appointments include principal bassoon of the Canadian Opera Company and guest principal bassoon with the London Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Center Orchestra in Canada, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra and has participated in many chamber music festivals including the Evian International Festival, Vancouver Chamber Music Festival, Scotia Festival, and the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.
Kathleen is principal bassoon with the International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico which tours extensively throughout the island. She was one of the youngest teachers appointed to the faculty of the University of Toronto in 1989 became a faculty member of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto in 2002 and has been on faculty at the National Youth Orchestra of Canada since 2007.
She performs and gives master classes frequently throughout the US and Canada. She performs frequently with New Music Concerts, Amici Ensemble and is a founding member of the Caliban Quartet of bassoons, Toronto Wind Quintet and the Canadian Winds. Kathleen is a champion of new music and has commissioned and recorded many pieces as a soloist with the Saraste Chamber Players, the Accordes String Quartet, as well as the Caliban Bassoon Quartet.