Karla Ekholm, bassoon, holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music degree from Temple University. Ms. Ekholm started her career as principal bassoonist with San Francisco Opera's National Touring Company, with whom she toured until 2002 and where she developed her love of opera. She is a founding member of the Five Chairs Wind Quintet with whom she performed over 1000 programs for students in the schools. Ms. Ekholm enjoys an active career performing around the San Francisco Bay Area as principal bassoonist of San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Pacific Chamber Symphony and Vallejo Symphony as well as member of Santa Rosa Symphony and Marin Symphony. Retired from teaching at Eastern Music Festival after 39 years, she now spends her summers playing opera for the Merola program as principal bassoonist of San Francisco Opera Center.