After a highly competitive audition, Allen was selected as the CSO’s Principal Bassoon and started in January 2026. His impressive experience includes Principal Bassoon of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra and as a frequent guest with the Charlotte and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras. A graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with John Clouser, Principal Bassoon of the Cleveland Orchestra, Allen was the recipient of the George F. Goslee Prize for outstanding artistry. He has also appeared with the Spoleto Festival USA, Colorado College Summer Music Festival (where he won the concerto competition), Chautauqua, and the National Youth Orchestra of the United States of America.