Currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music with John Orford, nineteen-year-old Karen Geoghegan came to the attention of the British public late last year following her appearance as a finalist on Classical Star, a BBC reality programme. She proved immensely popular with the public and judges alike, and brought much needed attention to the bassoon, which has, to some great extent, been neglected as a solo instrument. The cellist Matthew Barley who was mentor and presenter of the show says of Karen, ‘with her sound and focus she is already one of the great wind players in the country’. Chandos’ Managing Director, Ralph Couzens, was so impressed by Karen’s performance that he contacted Karen the day following the broadcast, and offered her a contract.

For her first CD with Chandos, it was decided to focus on the repertoire performed for the show. Hummel’s Bassoon Concerto, the centrepiece of the album, is complemented by Elgar’s Romance, Berwald’s rarely recorded Konzertstück, Weber’s Andante and Hungarian Rondo, Carl Jacobi’s Introduction and Polonaise and a beautiful arrangement of Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’. Each work demonstrates Karen’s ability as a performer of outstanding quality. Benjamin Wallfisch conducts the Orchestra of Opera North

In 2008, the competition year, Karen gives a concert at Fulham Palace on 10 June, and will be appear as a soloist with the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra on 22 June. She will spend the summer months touring as a soloist with the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra, conducted by Gary Walker. Amidst all this performing activity she will also be recording her second disc for Chandos.

She produces a beautiful, singing tone, sails through the fastest passages and even despatches a top E-flat with aplomb.
This is a marvellous start with which to launch one’s career. Karen should be congratulated on her achievement. I can truly say that I look forward to following her progression as she develops as a soloist and matures her style.
This is an enjoyable disc, helped by a recording that is up to Chandos’ usual high standards
Name five internationally famous bassoon soloists. Archie Camden, Gwydion Brooke and,er, that’s it. Except I think we shall soon be adding the name of Karen Geoghegan to the roll call…. Chandos have a real find on their hands with Karen Geoghegan.
She plays Hummel’s Grand Concerto with pumping authority. Her proud, centre-stage arrival after Hummel’s customary long, tantalising intro is no disappointment – her slow movement sings with high sax-like tone and the swinging finale expresses rustic joy.
But Geoghegan has real expressive maturity too. Elgar’s Romance is heavenly and, as an encore, Gershwin’s ‘Summertime’ deliciously dreamy, showing off a glorious tone, coloured with gentle restrained vibrato.,, Buy it and share in thefun.
Jeremy Nicholas Gramophone Critic’s Choice 2008

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