Fronberg Finds His Place at Festival Hill

Festival Hill Features: Hans Fronberg

This is the second in our series of articles profiling the young musicians from around the world who are descending on Round Top for the annual Festival Hill summer institute and concert series.

Bassoon player Hans Fronberg was preparing to attend the Festival Hill Summer Institute in 2020 when the COVID pandemic began. Now, in 2023, he has finally gotten the opportunity to attend the summer program he missed out on three years ago.

“The biggest pull for me (to attend Festival Hill) was just the orchestra itself,” said Fronberg. “It’s in a beautiful concert venue, with lots of amazing programs, chamber music. My whole goal of being at a music festival though is, of course, for the orchestra and just being able to play as much as possible.”

Fronberg originally began his college career at the University of Utah, but then, he transferred to the Cleveland Institute of Music and was set back by class credits lost after he transferred. Then, Fronberg’s education was impacted by COVID. So, he’s had a lot to overcome in his educational career. But, he has yet to let that stop him.

Fronberg graduated from undergraduate studies at CIM in December 2022. Now, he’s continuing his post-secondary education at CIM and he hopes to jump into his career as soon as possible.

He explained that after finishing up his master’s, he plans to audition for orchestras and eventually become a university professor, but he is also keeping himself open to other opportunities.

“As a musician, you have to take every opportunity that’s given to you. It’s a very cutthroat profession like that. You really have to learn to be able to take a lot of different options and gigs,” said Fronberg.

Over the years, Fronberg has studied with several amazing teachers and ensembles. From lessons with John Clouser of the Cleveland Orchestra to participating in the Domaine Forget summer music program, he has plenty of experience that has allowed him to become an even stronger musician.

Outside of music, Fronberg loves to run and lift weights. He even participated in a marathon in 2021 and hopes to beat his personal record in a future marathon. Fronberg explained that these activities act as both stressrelievers, as well as supporting activities that help him become a stronger musician.

“Weight lifting helps a lot with posture and lung capacity. When you do heavy squats or deadlift, you’re utilizing those muscles and the spine in the back that are really important when you’re sitting down for hours a day practicing,” said Fronberg.

Finding that connection between his hobbies and his passion shows just how focused Fronberg is on his future goals. Even though the athletic activities he participates in may be on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from where his career falls, Fronberg knows that his dedication to them will be of great use in the long run.

As Fronberg continues to build on his array of skills and he finishes up his education, he is sure to have plenty of opportunities flow his way.