Maggie O'Leary

Maggie O’Leary joined The Florida Orchestra as Associate Principal Bassoon at the start of the 2024-2025 season. Prior to joining TFO, she was a bassoon fellow at the New World Symphony and served as Acting Section Bassoon of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. She has appeared as guest principal bassoon with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and has also appeared in concert with ProMusica Chamber Orchestra. Maggie has participated in the Oregon Bach Festival, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Tanglewood Music Center, New York String Orchestra Seminar, Sarasota Music Festival, Music from Angel Fire, and Aspen Music Festival, where she was the recipient of the Nancy Goeres Bassoon Fellowship.

A native of Southern California, Maggie began playing the bassoon at age 12 under the tutelage of Dr. Carolyn Beck. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, where she studied with Daniel Matsukawa, and her Master of Music degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where she studied with Benjamin Kamins. She is also grateful to have worked with Billy Short during her time at the Verbier Festival. 

Maggie is passionate about sharing her love of music with children and young adults. She frequently performed recitals for children at the Philadelphia Ethical Society while a student at Curtis, and also served as a teacher for New World Symphony’s College Track Mentorship Program. When not playing bassoon or working on reeds, Maggie enjoys rock climbing, playing Mario Party, and trying new recipes.