Brian Goodwin

Brian Goodwin is a professional horn player and educator based in Chicago. He began playing with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra as principal horn in 2018. Brian completed his formal training at the Manhattan School of Music and graduate studies at DePaul University before moving to Japan to join the Hyogo Performing Arts Center Orchestra as co-principal horn. He moved back to Chicago in 2014, and now juggles a busy schedule as a freelance performer and private teacher.

In addition to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, Brian holds positions with the Illinois Philharmonic, South Bend Symphony, and Sarasota Opera. Brian also frequently performs with the Lyric Opera of Chicago where he can often be heard playing offstage (and occasionally on stage!), as well as with the Joffrey Ballet and Grant Park Symphony Orchestra.

In his free time, Brian enjoys working on cars and has gradually become a Saab and BMW specialist. When his hands aren’t dirty, he also enjoys fixing computers and electronics, expanding his Linux skills, running, and cycling.

Brian and his wife, Janis, live in Highland Park with their dogs, Oberon and Zero.