About Margaret
About Margaret
performer
performer
Margaret is Principal Contrabassoon and Bassoon with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Margaret joined the CBSO immediately after finishing her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music. She is also a member of the Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and has played with many of the leading orchestras in the UK.
She has also played in the inaugural Chineke! concert in September 2015
As a soloist, Margaret performed two works for solo contrabassoon, written for her by Colin Matthews and broadcast on Radio 3 in 2004.
She was soloist in the world premiere of 'Falling Down' by John Woolrich, with the CBSO conducted by Andris Nelsons in July 2009 as part of the International Double Reed Convention. Her most recent performance was at the BBC Proms in July 2015.
“The opening is brilliant as the music swoops down from shrill high woodwind to the depths of the orchestra and zooms in on the soloist. Cookhorn looked assured and unflappable.....
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“John Woolrich’s Falling Down was composed for the CBSO’s contra-bassoonist Margaret Cookhorn; it’s an unlikely concertante piece, predictably dark-hued and slightly gruff, but, as Cookhorn showed, totally convincing on its own terms.”
Margaret has also given lecture/ recitals on the contrabassoon for the British Double Reed Society and as part of the CBSO 'Centre Stage' series
WoodWind Coach
WoodWind Coach
Margaret is actively involved with coaching woodwind sections in Youth, University and Amateur orchestras across the UK, and is very involved in coaching wind chamber music to all wind players.
“It’s always a great joy to have Margaret working with the woodwind sections of our student orchestras. Besides her meticulous attention to detail and keen ear, she conveys an infectious sense of enjoyment in music making.”
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“The Symphony Orchestra at King Edward’s School is quite remarkable, and Margaret is a vital part of its work. In its perception, skill, generosity and thoughtfulness, her coaching is extraordinary. The children love working with her, and it’s great that she is part of our team.”
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Contact Margaret for more information
Teacher
Teacher
Margaret is a tutor of the Bassoon as well as the Contra. She is also a mentor, giving helpful and constructive advice to those seeking a career in the Music profession.
She has taken part in organising the CBSO 'Bassoon Day'
An enthusiast for music education, she has given presentations of the Bassoon and Contra to children of all ages.
“Margaret’s enthusiasm and encouragement were a constant motivation for me as a mature student. The technical help Margaret gave me was outstanding - difficult phrases in pieces and sections of orchestral parts were unraveled and enlightened without ever losing sight of the character and meaning of the music. And she transformed my tone and range of dynamics, equipping me for solo playing, chamber music and orchestral work.
I was so delighted to have Margaret as my tutor. She was unfailingly welcoming, eager to help me progress and a consummate professional.”