Tariq Masri

Tariq Masri has been the Principal Bassoonist of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra since 2000. Prior to joining the ASO, he was the Principal Bassoonist of the Hofer Symphoniker in Germany. As an orchestral musician, Masri has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Masri also performed as guest Associate Principal Bassoon with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. He has worked with various conductors including Daniel Barenboim, Pierre Boulez (including a recording for Deutsche Grammophon), Ricardo Muti, Peter Oundjian and Gustavo Dudamel. During the summer, he performs in the Sun Valley Summer Symphony. He has also performed as Principal Bassoon in the Mainly Mozart Festival, Classical Tahoe, and Festival Mozaic. Masri also played several summers at the Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra playing second bassoon. As a chamber musician, Tariq has performed with pianist, John Novacek, as well as members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and St Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Masri teaches at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Samford University, and the Alabama School of Fine Arts. He received his Bachelor’s degree at the Cleveland Institute of Music where he studied with David McGill. Masri also pursued graduate work at the University of Southern California where he studied with Stephen Maxym.