Orchestra Musician Spotlight: Madeleine Folkerts

Distinguished Principal Horn with a Passion for Music and Adventure

Known for her outstanding technique and captivating tone, Principal Horn Madeleine Folkerts has dazzled Bozeman Symphony audiences with her playing.

Madeleine enjoys being a part of the Bozeman Symphony’s vibrant horn and brass sections and relishes the opportunity to perform dynamic repertoire with them in front of Bozeman audiences. “I love the collaborative spirit with the symphony,” Madeleine shared. “Everyone is dedicated, and we have ample opportunities to showcase our talents.” She commends the symphony’s conductor, Norman Huynh, for his innovative ideas, effective leadership, and ability to elevate the orchestra with each rehearsal.

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Madeline is excited to perform Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, a piece that kicks off with a resounding horn call.

Madeleine’s musical journey began at just three years old when she embarked on piano lessons that continued through high school. Her interest in music led her to take up the trumpet in fifth grade, but it wasn’t until she heard the enchanting soundtrack of Hedwig’s Theme while engrossed in Harry Potter that she discovered her true passion for the horn. “I was captivated by it and knew instantly that the horn was the instrument for me,” she recalled. The turning point came during her 11th-grade performance of Brahms Symphony No. 1, solidifying her decision to dedicate her life to horn playing.

Originally from western Washington, Madeleine was a member of the Tacoma Youth Symphony during her high school years. She was featured as a concerto soloist with the St. Olaf Orchestra twice during her senior year. Later, she expanded her horizons as part of the prestigious National Repertory Orchestra in Breckenridge, Colorado, in both 2017 and 2023.

At St. Olaf College, Madeleine excelled and earned dual bachelor’s degrees in music performance and psychology and neuroscience. Under the mentorship of Minnesota Orchestra Associate Principal Horn Herb Winslow, she refined her skills while participating in various musical ensembles, including the band, orchestra, and wind quartet. Despite being on the brink of enrolling in graduate school seven years ago, Madeleine instead moved to Montana after winning the audition to perform with the Great Falls Symphony and Chinook Winds Quartet. After seven seasons in Great Falls, Madeleine is moving to Missoula to pursue new opportunities.

Fueled by her passion for music, Madeleine immersed herself in a plethora of activities from teaching private horn and piano lessons to coaching a brass quartet and accompanying students in solo and ensemble. Embracing her love for teaching, she now imparts her wealth of expertise as a horn instructor at the University of Montana, nurturing the next generation of musicians. Additionally, she has plans to establish a teaching studio in Missoula.

When not captivating audiences with her horn playing, Madeleine finds solace and excitement in nature. Whether seeking the adrenaline rush of playing hockey, the peaceful solitude of mountain biking, or the breathtaking views of rock climbing, skiing, backpacking, and hiking, she thrives in the great outdoors. Her faithful and spirited companion, Beasley, a 65-pound hound, has been by her side since April 2020, adding an extra layer of joy to her adventures. Madeleine carries a red plastic horn in her bag during her excursions and weaves music into her adventures whenever possible by drawing it out and creating a symphony of harmonious melodies inspired by nature.