Judith LeClair joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Bassoon in 1981, at the age of 23. Since then, she has made more than 50 solo appearances with the orchestra, performing with some of the world's greatest conductors. Before her appointment with the Philharmonic, she was Principal Bassoon of the San Diego Orchestra and Opera. Active as a chamber musician, she has performed with numerous leading artists in festivals throughout the country and has given solo recitals and masterclasses across the world. Judith will be performing the premiere of Kevin Puts' Concerto for Bassoon, written for her and commissioned by the Philharmonic, in November of 2026. Judith is on the faculty of The Juilliard School, and her students populate major positions in many United States and foreign orchestras. She lives in New Jersey with her husband, pianist Jonathan Feldman.