Biography

Ian Wisekal, a native of Long Island, NY, joined the faculty of the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music in 2013. He serves as Principal Oboe of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Crested Butte Music Festival, and previously held the position of Associate Principal Oboe with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. He can be heard playing principal oboe on that orchestra’s recording of Cofresí, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy. Ian received his bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the Eastman School of Music and his master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, earning full scholarships at both institutions. He has performed at the Sarasota Music Festival, the festival at Banff (Canada), the Music Masters Festival of Japan, the Casals Festival of Puerto Rico and the AIMS festival in Austria. In 2012, Ian traveled to study with David Walter at the Paris Conservatory, thanks to a grant from the Pro-Symphony Association of Puerto Rico. He is an active performer throughout Colorado, playing frequently with the Colorado Symphony and professional ensembles across the state. His major teachers include Richard Killmer and Erin Hannigan. Ian has given master classes throughout the U.S. and abroad, appearing most recently as guest artist at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Wyoming Double Reed Day and the week-long Oboe Workshop at the University of Costa Rica. His students have earned scholarships to top music schools, including Eastman, and have performed as soloists and regular members of professional orchestras.