Noted bassoonist dies on tour
mainWe have been notified of the death in Bangkok, Thailand, on October 4 of Eric Van der Veer Varner, former principal bassoon of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and, for 10 years, a member of the Pen Trio. He was found dead while on tour with the trio.
He was 45 years old and due to get married in December.
Eric was also associate professor of bassoon at the Lynn Conservatory in Boca Raton, Florida and owner of TrevCo-Varner Music, said to be the world’s foremost purveyor of sheet music for double reed instruments.
Oh no!!!! This is tragic news. Eric was a fabulous player, genuinely nice guy, great teacher and gave me so much help as I was learning bassoon. I first met hit at Loren Glickman and Mark Popkin’s North Carolina Bassoon Camp. Eric was so relaxed and friendly to all. I still remember a recital he did – in jeans an cowboy boots – with a tounging technique that was astonishing. He will be sorely missed. RIP.