Leonard Hindell began his bassoon studies while at the High School of Music and Art. He studied with Stephen Maxym at the Henry Street Music Settlement and later at the Manhattan School of Music, where he won the Harold Bauer award. Upon graduation he joined the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and in 1972 became a member of the New York Philharmonic. He retired from the Philharmonic in 2005.
Mr. Hindell has given recitals at Carnegie Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall, where he premiered numerous pieces written for him. He served on the committee that helped establish the Philharmonic Ensembles, a series of chamber music programs featuring members of the Philharmonic. He appeared with violinist Vladimir Spivakov at Carnegie Hall and at the Great Performers Series at Avery Fisher Hall. He was invited to perform as principal bassoon for the Metropolitan Opera’s first tour of Japan in 1975 and in 1994 Zubin Mehta invited him to join the Israel Philharmonic on their South American tour.
Mr. Hindell has given numerous Master classes throughout the US, Asia, South America and Europe. He has taught at the Manhattan School of Music, Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music, Suny Purchase and was a guest teacher in residence at Ithaca Conservatory of MUsic. He is on the faculties of Mannes School of Music and The Steindardt School Music at NYU.
Mr Hindell is an Honorary Member of the International Double Reed Society and in 2019, became Artistic Director of the Glickman-Popkin Bassoon Camp, succeeding co-founder Lorin Glickman.
