A native of Ottawa, Ontario, Gabe Azzie has served as Principal Bassoon of Symphony Nova Scotia since January 2019. Recognized for his collaborative spirit, strong musicianship, and commitment to community engagement, he has appeared as a featured soloist with the orchestra and plays an active role in its outreach and publicity initiatives.

Gabe earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music in 2019, where he studied with William Winstead. He previously completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa, graduating summa cum laude under the mentorship of Christopher Millard. During his time in Ottawa, he frequently performed with the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Ottawa Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau, and served as a pit musician for the Broadway Across Canada tour of The Sound of Music at the National Arts Centre.

His orchestral training includes performances with the National Academy Orchestra of Canada under Boris Brott, as well as three national tours with the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, performing across Canada and in Portugal under the direction of Emmanuel Villaume, Michael Francis, and Perry So. An active chamber musician in Nova Scotia, Gabe has appeared as a guest artist with both the Scotia Festival of Music and the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance.

A passionate educator, Gabe is the Bassoon Instructor at Acadia University, where he teaches applied bassoon and bassoon methods. He also leads masterclasses, chamber music coaching, and workshops through festivals and community programs. In addition to his university teaching, he maintains a private studio and works with students throughout Nova Scotia.

Named one of CBC Music’s “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians Under 30” in 2022, Gabe has received numerous awards and scholarships for both performance and academic achievement. His other teachers include Kathleen McLean, Mathieu Harel, Stéphane Lévesque, Richard Hoenich, and Jo Ann Simpson.

Outside of music, Gabe is an avid hockey and football fan who enjoys working out, traveling, and hiking.

Q&A with Gabe

How long have you worked with Symphony Nova Scotia?
Since January 22nd, 2019!

If you couldn’t be a bassoonist, what would you like to do?
I would probably be either a teacher or involved in sports broadcasting.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Watching/playing sports, movies, the great outdoors, and travelling.

What’s a fact that nobody would know about you?
I’m colourblind!

What’s your favourite sports team?
The Ottawa Senators

What’s your favourite quote?
“Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” – Garth Brooks