More News & Notes 
Abraham Weiss
Instrument: Bassoon
What year did you join the RPO? 1970
Favorite time of year in Rochester and why: I like each of the four seasons. I grew up in Los Angeles, where the climate is beautiful, but monotonous.
First music-related memory/First RPO Memory! When we were growing up, my brother (oboist, David Weiss) and I had a favorite record, Gershwin's Concerto in F and Rhapsody in Blue performed by Eugene List and the Eastman Rochester Orchestra. Our favorite passage in Rhapsody was a solo for bassoon and oboe, with the piano playing jazz riffs. The oboist on the recording was the legendary Robert Sprenkle. We both really loved his playing. The first week I played in the RPO, Eugene List performed the Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Robert Sprenkle played the principal oboe part and I sat directly behind him, playing the principal bassoon part.
I decided to be a professional musician when... I have always loved music. I didn't decide to become a professional musician, I just kept pursuing music.
Favorite travel destination: One favorite is Cancun, Mexico.
Influential teachers: I studied with a studio musician, Norman Herzberg in Los Angeles, while I was in high school. I had no idea at the time that he would come to be known as the most influential bassoon teacher of his era. There are about 30 of his students who hold positions in major orchestras in the US, and many of his students now have students who have positions in major US orchestras. You can hear him performing on many reruns of TV shows and movies made from the '50s through the '90s. I also studied with Sol Schoenbach at the Curtis Institute of Music.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Low carb, low fat ... aw forget it.
What are your other "hidden" talents? I hid them so well, I can't find them.
Do you teach private students? Several of my students have achieved great success on their instruments, and then have gone on to successful careers in other fields. Several are MDs, one is a priest and another a best-selling author. And one professional bassoonist.
What other orchestras have you performed with? American Sinfonietta, Substitute with Los Angeles Philharmonic. I also perform chamber music with my brother David (former Principal Oboe, Los Angeles Philharmonic) and my sister Dawn (Principal Flute, Oregon Symphony). Together, we recorded an album (Weiss Family Woodwinds) for Crystal Records in 1977.
Oddest RPO concert (or rehearsal) memory... Over a 34-year career, I have experienced many moments that are unforgettable. Our Carnegie Hall performances (from 1977-1984) with David Zinman stand out. The Consecration performance at Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center (Live TV), the transition to Jerzy Semkow with the live broadcasts on WOKR TV and more recently the arrival of Christopher Seaman as Music Director and Jeff Tyzik as Principal Pops Director have so profoundly shaped this orchestra. Then there are the many legendary soloists and conductors over the years. These are what I will remember the most.
Favorite restaurant in town and why: I love great food but there are so many great restaurants in Rochester I couldn’t choose just one.
The RPO is essential to Rochester because... The beauty and drama of live music are essential to a well-rounded community. How could one live without it?
Biography
Principal Bassoonist with the RPO since 1970, Abraham Weiss is a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. He has taught at the Hochstein School and has given masterclasses at universities around the country, including Eastman School of Music, University of Michigan, University of Southern California and Ithaca College, among others. Mr. Weiss is an active musician with Chamber Music Rochester and has performed with the Bravo Chamber Music Festival in Vail, Colorado. He was a featured recitalist at the 2005 International Double Reed Society Conference in Austin, Texas.
