MEET THE ORCHESTRA

Rachel Koeth is the principal bassoon of The Syracuse Orchestra and instructor of bassoon at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music.

A native of Portland, Oregon, Koeth spent childhood summer evenings at city park symphony concerts, which nurtured her love for orchestral music and the bassoon. Koeth earned a bachelor of music in bassoon performance from the University of Iowa studying with Benjamin Coelho, and received a master of music and doctoral degree from Stony Brook University under the guidance of Frank Morelli.

While completing graduate work, Koeth’s woodwind quintet was named co-winners of the Lauren V. Ackerman Memorial Chamber Music Prize in 2012. That same year, Koeth was a finalist for the Meg Quigley Vivaldi Competition. She has performed at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and the National Orchestral Institute and Festival. Additionally, she performed with the Three Villages Chamber Players and the Stony Brook University Baroque Ensemble on Long Island and in New York City.

Koeth was one of four featured soloists for the Syracuse Orchestra’s Masterwork performance of Haydn’s Sinfonia Concertante in fall of 2022. Regularly, Koeth performs with the Syracuse Orchestra’s woodwind quintet for educational outreach concerts and recitals. She had the pleasure of performing with the Syracuse Opera and, recently, the Glimmerglass Festival.

Further fulfilling activities include teaching her private students, guest coaching the Syracuse Youth Orchestra sectionals, making a ridiculous amount of reeds, hiking, and spending time with her daughter, husband and bunnies.