Born into a Hungarian family of musicians, Bence Bogányi began playing the bassoon at the age of nine and later studied in Finland, Sweden and Germany.
In 1997, he won First Prize at the International Crusell Competition in Finland. Further distinctions followed, including First Prize at the Fernand Gillet–Hugo Fox International Competition in Indianapolis and Second Prize, together with the Audience Prize, at the ARD International Music Competition in Munich with Quintet Chantily.
Bogányi was appointed principal bassoonist of the Helsinki State Opera in 1997 and later held the same position with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2004, he joined the Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, before serving as principal bassoonist of the Munich Philharmonic from 2007 to 2013.
As a chamber musician and soloist, he has performed throughout Europe and Asia. He also regularly appears as guest principal bassoonist with renowned ensembles including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Bavarian State Opera and Budapest Festival Orchestra. His discography includes numerous CD and radio recordings.
Contemporary music has played an important role throughout his career. Bogányi seeks close artistic dialogue with composers and has given several premieres, including the 2005 world premiere of Kalevi Aho’s Bassoon Concerto, written for him and performed with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra.
From 2009 to 2013, he taught as Professor of Bassoon at the Hochschule für Musik Nürnberg. In 2013, he was appointed Professor of Bassoon at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover.
