Emma Plehal

Biography

Education: D.M.A. Bassoon, University of Minnesota; M.M. Bassoon, University of Minnesota; B.M., Furman University

As a Minnesota-based bassoonist and contrabassoonist, Dr. Emma K. Plehal currently performs all over the Midwest. She is third bassoon/contrabassoon in the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and principal bassoon of the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra. She has recently performed as a substitute or extra musician with the Minnesota Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Des Moines Symphony, Des Moines Metro Opera, Orchestra Iowa, and Duluth Superior Symphony. She has also performed at the Lakes Area Music Festival annually since 2013 and is a founding member of the Solerna Wind Quintet.

Dr. Plehal received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance from the University of Minnesota, studying with Norbert Nielubowski. Her graduate research centered around a study involving musicians who live with type 1 diabetes. She also earned her master’s degree at the University of Minnesota, studying with Charles Ullery, and her undergraduate degree at Furman University, studying with Ann Shoemaker.

website: www.emmaplehal.com