Erich Heckscher is Principal Bassoon of the National Philharmonic and Maryland Symphony Orchestras and the Maryland Lyric Opera Orchestra. He has served as Acting Second Bassoon with the National Symphony Orchestra and guest Principal Bassoon with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and previously held positions with the Houston Grand Opera, Houston Ballet and Alabama Symphony Orchestras. Mr. Heckscher has performed with the Baltimore, Dallas, Oregon, Richmond, Norfolk and Charleston Symphony Orchestras, and locally with the Smithsonian Chamber Players, Eclipse Chamber Orchestra and Washington National Opera. Solo appearances include the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Britt Festival Orchestra, where he has been Principal Bassoon since 2000. He has participated in the Sarasota, Kent/Blossom, Chautauqua, National Orchestral Institute and National Repertory Orchestra summer festivals.

Mr. Heckscher holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Southern Methodist University, and has been on the bassoon faculty at the University of Maryland since 2012. He was previously on the faculty of Texas A&M University at Commerce, and has served as woodwind coach for the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras.