William Hanna is a Melbourne-based bassoonist and composer. In 2021, he graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music with Honours in Music Performance studying under Lyndon Watts.
During his studies he has played in many chamber and orchestral ensembles, including both as Principal Bassoon and Principal Contrabassoon of the University of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Highlights of his time in the orchestra include being part of its first international tour to Singapore and Shanghai, where he played contrabassoon in the new Australian work Tide by Alice Humphries, and performed as Principal Bassoon in Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony. Will has collaborated with many professional musicians as part of the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music’s Wind Festivals, and as a guest performer at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM). Will has also studied baroque bassoon and historical performance practice. He has an affinity with tonal music and especially loves to perform music from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
As a composer/performer, Will is keen to showcase newly written solo works for the bassoon, as well new chamber and orchestral pieces (all featuring the bassoon naturally). He has recently had pieces premiered by the Euterpe Bassoon Quartet and the Zephyrs Wind Quintet.
Will is a strong proponent of music education and currently teaches bassoon in Melbourne. He has also recently expanded his musical instrument repertoire by branching out to learn clarinet, oboe and saxophone.
In 2024, he will commence training at ANAM and continue studying with Lyndon Watts.
Photo by Pia Johnson