Wilbur Simpson
Encyclopedia
Wilbur H. Simpson was an American classical
bassoonist and pedagogue.
At Northwestern University
, he studied with Hugo Fox
, principal bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
.
During World War II
, he served in the navy aboard the battleship . He was in the Navy Band that played aboard the during the Japanese Surrender.
In 1946, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
, first as contrabassoonist, then as second bassoon, where he remained until his retirement in the fall of 1991. He was awarded the Theodore Thomas Medal for his service to the CSO. He was an original member of the Chicago Symphony Woodwind Quintet, and later the Chicago Symphony Winds, which played throughout the United States and abroad.
He was featured in a segment of the WNIB
radio series marking the 100th anniversary of the CSO during 1990-91, along with Adrian Da Prato, a violinist who also had joined the orchestra in 1946. They were the two senior members of the orchestra.
Well-known as a teacher, he served as Professor of Bassoon at Northwestern University
, and taught at DePaul University
and the Chicago Conservatory College. Many of his former pupils now occupy positions in leading orchestras of the world.
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
bassoonist and pedagogue.
At Northwestern University
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, USA. Northwestern has eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees....
, he studied with Hugo Fox
Hugo Fox
Hugo Fox was an American classical bassoonist. He also designed and manufactured bassoons and oboes....
, principal bassoonist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1891, the Symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival...
.
During World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, he served in the navy aboard the battleship . He was in the Navy Band that played aboard the during the Japanese Surrender.
In 1946, he joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. It is one of the five American orchestras commonly referred to as the "Big Five". Founded in 1891, the Symphony makes its home at Orchestra Hall in Chicago and plays a summer season at the Ravinia Festival...
, first as contrabassoonist, then as second bassoon, where he remained until his retirement in the fall of 1991. He was awarded the Theodore Thomas Medal for his service to the CSO. He was an original member of the Chicago Symphony Woodwind Quintet, and later the Chicago Symphony Winds, which played throughout the United States and abroad.
He was featured in a segment of the WNIB
WNIB
WNIB, 97.1 FM , was a classical music radio station that was begun in Chicago, Illinois on July 9, 1955. The frequency was assigned to William C. Florian who began operations and retained ownership until its sale in 2001. The call letters stood for Northern Illinois Broadcasting...
radio series marking the 100th anniversary of the CSO during 1990-91, along with Adrian Da Prato, a violinist who also had joined the orchestra in 1946. They were the two senior members of the orchestra.
Well-known as a teacher, he served as Professor of Bassoon at Northwestern University
Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois, USA. Northwestern has eleven undergraduate, graduate, and professional schools offering 124 undergraduate degrees and 145 graduate and professional degrees....
, and taught at DePaul University
DePaul University
DePaul University is a private institution of higher education and research in Chicago, Illinois. Founded by the Vincentians in 1898, the university takes its name from the 17th century French priest Saint Vincent de Paul...
and the Chicago Conservatory College. Many of his former pupils now occupy positions in leading orchestras of the world.