Richard Goldfaden

Richard Goldfaden, fourth horn player for the Charlotte Symphony, has been playing with the Orchestra for over four decades. He earned his Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Michigan. While still in school, Goldfaden won the position of second horn in the Toledo Symphony and continued playing there after graduating. His next position was principal horn with the OFUNAM in Mexico City. He remained there until he became a member of the Charlotte Symphony.  

Besides performing with the Symphony, Goldfaden enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities, including bicycling, hiking, kayaking, and relaxing by the lake in Northern Ontario. He composes and arranges music for various small ensembles, including several works which have been published. He also sings tenor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Kannapolis, where his wife, who is also a professional musician, is Director of Music and Worship Arts. At home, he has enjoyed the company of many rescue pets over the years. His current fur baby is Toby, the Chihuahua. 

What's an interesting tidbit about how you chose your instrument? 

When asked what I wanted to play going into 5th grade, I said French horn, because it looked pretty. But they weren't using horns in the band, so I went with the trumpet. In high school, I switched to French horn because they needed more horn players and I had grown to admire the beautiful sound of the instrument. 

What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional musician? 

I would have chosen a job in the medical profession, as did many of my immediate family members, including two doctors, three nurses, and a pharmacist.