Meet Andrew Port, Principal Oboist
Andrew Port joins the ESO as Principal Oboist.
Andrew Port has joined the Elgin Symphony Orchestra as Principal Oboist. He was appointed to the position by ESO Music Director Chad Goodman following blind auditions this fall.
Andrew is a New York native but now lives in Chicago, where he is a Fellow with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and has regularly performed as Second Oboe with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
During his summers, Andrew has joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at their Ravinia Festival Residency and attended notable music festivals such as the Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, the National Repertory Orchestra, Spoleto USA Festival, and Verbier Music Camp. He holds his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance from New England Conservatory, where he studied with John Ferrillo and Anne Gabriele.
“The Elgin Symphony Orchestra is known for its connection with the community it serves, its fabulously talented musicians, and engaging programming; to be welcome in such a vital part of artistic tapestry of Illinois brings me a great deal of fulfillment,” Andrew said.
When did you start playing the oboe?
I began playing the oboe in fifth grade, around the age of ten. That means I've been playing for eighteen years!
Do you play any other instruments?
Unfortunately, the oboe requires most of my time! I've not had time to learn other instruments, but if I could choose, it would absolutely be piano.
What is your favorite piece to play?
I have too many favorite pieces to name! I'll never get tired of the satisfaction of a good Mahler Symphony, Bach Cantata, and of course, the slow movement of Barber's Violin Concerto.
What do you like most about playing in front of a live audience?
I believe that the pieces we perform as orchestral musicians are timeless - knowing that a person may fall in love with a piece for the first time, while another audience member is enjoying it for their hundredth time, is immensely satisfying.
Anything else you would like to share/we should know?
Please feel free to chat with me any time you see me before or after a concert! If I'm off the stage, I want to meet you!