Leonard Hindell began his bassoon studies while at the High School of Music and Art in New York. After graduation, he attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he won the Harold Bauer Award. Upon graduation in 1964 he joined the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. In 1972 he became a member of the New York Philharmonic. He retired from the Philharmonic in 2005. Mr. Hindell has given recitals at Carnegie Hall Weill Recital Hall and Merkin Concert Hall, where he premiered numerous pieces written for him. He served on the committee that established the Philharmonic Ensembles, a series of chamber music programs featuring members of the New York Philharmonic in its series at Merkin Concert Hall. In addition to being a distinguished member of the 92Y faculty, Mr. Hindell is on the faculty of the Steinhardt School at New York University. He has given master classes throughout the United States, South America and Europe.