Rino Vernizzi (1946–2022) was a prominent Italian bassoonist known for his career in symphonic music and his significant contributions to jazz bassoon performance. He is widely recognized for his long tenure as the principal bassoonist of the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome.
Born in Vicenza, Vernizzi completed his musical studies at the Conservatory of Verona. His professional orchestral career involved collaborations with many of the 20th century's leading conductors, including Leonard Bernstein, Carlo Maria Giulini, Giuseppe Sinopoli, and Riccardo Muti.
Vernizzi was notable for his versatility, actively pursuing jazz and contemporary music alongside his classical obligations. He was a pioneer in using the bassoon as a solo jazz instrument, exploring improvisation and complex rhythmic structures not typically associated with the instrument in a traditional orchestral setting. His discography reflects this crossover interest, featuring albums such as Play Bach Again, Goldberg Variations (Jazz Version), Baby Boom, and The Man I Love.
Throughout his career, Vernizzi performed as a soloist in major international venues and participated in numerous festivals. He was also dedicated to pedagogy, conducting masterclasses and serving on juries for international woodwind competitions. Vernizzi died in June 2022.