Biography

Krïstoff Hairr is an accomplished bassoonist from Louisiana whose musical journey has spanned over 14 years. Born and raised in the vibrant musical culture of the South, Krïstoff's passion for the bassoon was ignited at a young age, leading to a career marked by accolades and notable performances.


Krïstoff has had the privilege of performing with symphony orchestras and chamber groups across Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas. His performances with esteemed ensembles such as the Marshall Symphony, South Arkansas Symphony, Monroe Symphony, and the Shreveport Symphony have earned him recognition as a versatile and dynamic musician within the classical music scene. In October of 2024, Krïstoff won the Principal Bassoon position with the Monroe Symphony Orchestra where he is excited to collaborate with his new colleagues such as the amazing and talented Maestro Philip Mann.


In acknowledgment of his musical abilities, Krïstoff was honored with the prestigious McCutcheon Award from Northwestern State University, underscoring his dedication and artistry in mastering the bassoon.


Beyond his performances, Krïstoff is deeply committed to imparting his knowledge and passion for the bassoon. As the former Adjunct Bassoon Instructor for LSMSA, Krïstoff now runs a thriving private studio in Northwest Louisiana, nurturing the next generation of aspiring musicians. His teaching expertise extends globally through online bassoon lessons, reaching students across Europe, Australia, and North America. This international experience enriches his practice, fostering a diverse and inclusive community of bassoon enthusiasts. Krïstoff also works closely with public school music programs throughout Natchitoches, Bossier, and Shreveport teaching group bassoon classes as well as consulting with directors on their bassoon inventory, pedagogy, and reeds.


Throughout his career, Krïstoff has had the privilege of learning from accomplished bassoonists such as Susan Lauderdale and Dr. Douglas Bakenhus. He has further honed his craft through masterclasses with esteemed bassoonists including David Seidel, Ann Shoemaker, Kristin Wolfe Jensen, Leyla Zamora, David Wells, Rachel Frederiksen, Ben Roidl-Ward, and Frank Morelli.


Krïstoff is deeply inspired by bassoon luminaries like Bram van Sambeek and Sophie Dervaux, whose innovative approaches and mastery of the instrument influence his own musical endeavors. Although he has a love for all periods of music, he holds a special admiration for modern contemporary and chamber music, where he finds freedom for artistic expression and exploration.


Looking ahead, Krïstoff envisions collaborating with artists across disciplines to create musical spaces that invite audiences to experience music in transformative ways, conveying emotions and stories that words alone cannot capture. His commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional classical music and engaging audiences in innovative and meaningful ways reflects his forward-thinking approach to the art form.