Katrina Russell has a diverse performance background as a bassoonist, with repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary music, and from orchestral playing to solo appearances. Prior to moving to Vancouver Island, she lived in Britain, and as a specialist in historical performance, she played and recorded with many of the foremost period instrument ensembles in Britain and Europe. As a member of these groups Katrina has toured widely, appearing at many leading festivals around the world from Perth (Australia), to Mostly Mozart (Lincoln Center, New York), and the BBC Proms. On modern bassoon she has appeared with groups ranging from The London Chamber Orchestra (UK), to the New York Philomusica, and the Vancouver Symphony, Victoria Symphony, and other Canadian orchestras. The past number of years have seen her appear with various West Coast period instrument ensembles, including Early Music Vancouver, Victoria Baroque, and The Pacific Baroque Orchestra.
Katrina taught for several seasons at the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre and the Victoria Conservatory Summer Academy. She is also currently on Faculty at the Nanaimo Conservatory of Music, and teaches at the University of British Columbia as part of the Baroque Orchestra Mentorship Programme in association with Early Music Vancouver.