Kevin Rivard

Florida born hornist, Kevin Rivard, is rapidly establishing himself as a soloist, orchestral performer and chamber musician. His earliest teacher and mentor was Carolyn Wahl, a member of The Florida Orchestra. Upon graduating from High School, Mr. Rivard received a full scholarship to attend The Juilliard School and further his studies with Julie Landsman, Principal Horn in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. During his second year at school, he won the position of Assistant Principal Horn with The Florida Orchestra. In 2005, Mr. Rivard returned to The Juilliard School to finish his performance degree.

As an active freelancer, Mr. Rivard has appeared with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, The Philadelphia Orchestra, and Les Miserable on Broadway. Mr. Rivard has won numerous competitions and awards. Most recently he was awarded the Grand Prize along with the audience choice award at the 2008 Concours International d’Interprétation Musicale in Paris, France. He also won the Grand Prize at the 2007 International Horn Competition of America. He was the winner of The Juilliard Concerto Competition, the Farkas Solo Horn Competition, the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) level 1 award, a Presidential Scholar in the Arts and was a recipient of the Music for Youth Foundation’s highest scholarship award.

Mr. Rivard made his solo debut with the Houston Symphony in 2007, performing the Gliere Concerto, as the 2nd place winner of the Ima Hogg Young Artists Solo Competition where he also received the audience choice award. Mr. Rivard has participated in the Sarasota Music Festival, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the Verbier Festival and the Santa Fe Opera. Prior to joining the San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Mr. Rivard held the position of Assistant Principal Horn with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.