About

The New Zealand Double Reed Society is a non-profit organisation which promotes and enhances knowledge of double reed instruments (oboe and bassoon family)

Our Committee:

Sam Brough (President)

Sam is the newly appointed Associate Principal Bassoonist with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. From 2022-2025 he was Princpal Contrabassoonist of the Auckland Philharmonia and from 2018-2021 Principal Bassoon with Swedish chamber orchestra, Dalasinfoniettan. Sam freelanced extensively in the UK and Scandinavia before moving to New Zealand in 2021 with his kiwi husband. Since landing in NZ Sam has been involved with the NZ Double Reed Society, becoming president in 2024. Sam enjoys connecting with double reed players from all across the country and regular Bassoon Bashes are always a highlight. Sam enjoys a second life as a keen amateur potter and is on a quest to make the perfect mug, bowl and reed pot.

Alison Jepson (Treasurer)

Alison is a graduate of the Royal College of Music, London and moved to Auckland in 1987. She is the co-founder of NZ Double Reed Society (2010) and is currently Treasurer. Based in Auckland, Alison is a highly experienced and passionate oboe teacher, teaching at a number of Auckland high schools and from her private studio. Her thirty plus students range from beginners to diploma level and from primary school age through to adults. Alison is also a busy freelance oboist, and has performed with numerous orchestras including NZSO, APO, Bach Musica, Piper's Sinfonia, Handel Consort and Auckland Chamber Orchestra. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, reading, the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Madeline Sakofsky (Secretary)

Born in Auckland, Madeline studied oboe at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne before completing two post-graduate diplomas in Mannheim and Cologne. She held the position of Associate Principal Cor Anglais/Oboe in the Auckland Philharmonia for eight years, before moving to Wellington with her family in 2007. Madeline has performed with orchestras around New Zealand, including the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Wellington. In 2013 she gained a Master of Arts in Arts Management, conducting research with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and has since had roles with New Zealand Festival and Volunteering New Zealand. Her current focus is on teaching oboe and she enjoys working with students of all ages and levels.

Casey Lam

Casey is a Grade 8 oboist and student at the University of Otago. She began learning the oboe from Alison Jepson in 2017. Throughout her school years, she was actively involved in symphony orchestras, concert bands, and chamber music groups. She has also competed in several oboe competitions, including the NZDRS Oboe and Bassoon Competition. In her spare time, Casey also enjoys playing field hockey and the piano.

Zhen Ng

Zhen is a student oboist under the tutelage of Alison Jepson. He has been learning the oboe for six years and passed his ABRSM Grade 8 Examination with Distinction in 2023. Zhen has participated in the NZCT Chamber Contest for four years. He has been awarded the adjudicators award twice and progressed to the regional finals in 2024. This year Zhen received a scholarship to play with the Manukau Symphony Orchestra. He has performed with a variety of ensembles including two chamber groups, Handel’s Consort and Quire, Manukau Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Youth Orchestra. Apart from playing his oboe, Zhen enjoys rock climbing, cooking and baking. He recently competed in the World Youth Championships for Climbing in August this year.

Ricky Shi

Bassoonist Ricky Shi, is an ardent and devoted musician whose solos have graced stages around the world. Equally at home with solo and orchestra performances, Ricky is currently based in Auckland, and is working with the Auckland Philharmonia.
Born and raised in Beijing, China, Ricky studied in New Zealand before completing his Bachelor of Music degree at The Juilliard School, continuing with a Master of Music degree. During his studies, Ricky contributed his enthusiasm to many ensembles at Juilliard, playing all positions in the Juilliard Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Orchestra, Axiom and Opera. Prior to his Master’s degree, Ricky has also joined the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra in Florida for one season, playing with world renowned conductors and soloists such as Alexander Shelly, James Ehnes, and Renee Fleming.