Brock Imison has held the position of Principal Contrabassoon with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra since 2004. Born in Brisbane, Brock began playing the Bassoon at age 13 and completed his studies at the QLD Conservatorium Music School. During his studies he was a member of the Queensland Youth Orchestra and has also appeared with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonic, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Recently he has been a guest principal bassoonist for the Maribor festival in Slovenia and in August 2011 he was a member of the Australian World Orchestra for its inalgural season in Sydney. Brock strives to improve the profile of the Contrabassoon, premiering new music in solo recitals, arranging chamber music and hosting workshops for composers to learn more about the instrument. In 2008 he toured as soloist with the MSO performing his own transcription of Weber’s Bassoon Concerto for the Contrabassoon.

Meet Brock

How did you choose your instrument?
I love things a little out of the ordinary, so the bassoon and contra were a perfect fit.

Who would you most like to perform with (past or present)?
Sergio Azzolini, Dag Jensen, Jeremie Papasergio (all bassoon heros of mine)

Which composer would you most like to have dinner with? And what would you serve?
Mozart for sure, sweet meats and loads of red wine. On the other hand maybe Bruckner, to tell him his bassoon parts are rubbish and to try again please. I’ll serve him Brussels sprouts!