Claire Ramuscak

Principal Contrabassoon

Music Chair supported by:
CP Morris

Claire Ramuscak

Won the audition for Contrabassoon in August 2011.

How I came to be the Principal Contrabassoonist of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra….. I grew up in Melbourne and started playing the bassoon when I began high school. Having already played the piano for a number of years, I was given the opportunity to learn a second instrument. I wanted to learn something different and out of the ordinary - so began my journey. The first bassoon I played on was worth less than $100 and the keys were held together with elastic bands and sticky tape. This didn’t faze me at all – I loved it so much and just wanted to play and never stop.  

Music has been an important part of my life since then. I completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours at Monash University in Melbourne and followed that by a Graduate Diploma of Education. After a couple of years classroom teaching, I refocussed on realising my dream of becoming a professional musician and was accepted into the Australian National Academy of Music. I studied there for 3 years and was lucky enough to gain a lot of experience learning from Australia’s best musicians and playing as a casual bassoonist with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and Queensland Symphony Orchestra. During my time at ANAM, I began playing the contrabassoon. I was so taken by the depth, warmth, character and power of the instrument. I still enjoy exploring the often surprising nuances and capabilities of such a big instrument. I feel completely at home on the contra

I feel incredibly lucky to be a member of this orchestra. It doesn’t ever feel like work. Every single time I sit in my chair to perform I have an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction and gratitude. It really is a privilege to perform for audiences alongside my amazing colleagues.

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Queensland Symphony Orchestra respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which the Orchestra works, plays, and creates music, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.