Erich Heckscher is Principal Bassoon of both the National Philharmonic and Maryland Symphony Orchestras. He served as Acting Second Bassoon with the National Symphony Orchestra for the 2011/2012 season and guest Principal Bassoon with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra in 2000, and previously held positions with the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet, and Alabama Symphony Orchestras. Mr. Heckscher has performed with the Baltimore, Dallas, Oregon, Richmond, Virginia and Charleston Symphony Orchestras, as well as locally with the Smithsonian Chamber Players, Eclipse Chamber Orchestra and Washington National Opera. Solo appearances include the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Britt Festival Orchestra, where he has been Principal Bassoon since 2000. He has participated in the Sarasota, Kent/Blossom, Chautauqua, National Orchestral Institute and National Repertory Orchestra summer festivals.
Mr. Heckscher holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Southern Methodist University, studying with K. David Van Hoesen, John Hunt and Wilfred Roberts. He was on the bassoon faculty at the University of Maryland from 2012 to 2021.
