Peter Ecklund, is a New York based, freelance bassoonist with a passion for orchestral and chamber playing. Peter is an associate member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for the 2023-2024 season, and has been a substitute with the New World Symphony since 2021. 

Peter grew up in East Lansing, Michigan and learned to love performing during his summers at the internationally renowned Interlochen Arts Camp where he had the privilege of working with highly acclaimed conductors, including JoAnn Falletta and Christian Macelaru.

Peter was the principal bassoon of the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes during the 2022-2023 season. In this capacity, he had the pleasure of appearing in the principal’s recital at The Rockwell Museum in Corning, NY, presenting Adolphus Hailstork’s Bassoon Set. Peter also performs regularly with Symphoria in Syracuse, NY and has performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. 

This summer, Peter is delighted to be a bassoon fellow in the Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra at the Aspen Music Festival. In past summers, Peter has attended music festivals including: the Sarasota Music Festival; the Chautauqua institution, where he performed with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra; the Round Top Institute (virtually), the Texas Music Festival, and the Eastern Music Festival. 

Peter holds a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan, which he attended with the support of a Stamps Leadership Scholarship, studying with Dr. Jeffrey Lyman. Peter completed his master’s at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with George Sakakeeny. 

When not practicing or making reeds, Peter enjoys cooking and baking and exploring nature.