Toby Oft (2013-2015 CTS)

    In 2008, Music Director James Levine appointed Toby Oft the 12th Principal Trombone of the Boston Symphony. Heralded as one of the finest trombone players of his generation, Mr. Oft has increased the boundaries of possibilities of the trombone, for in addition to occupying the top position in one of finest orchestra in the world, his extraordinary teaching style and dazzling solo recitals have taken him throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

    His extensive international career has led him to appear with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic (England), Tonhalle Orchestra (Zurich, Switzerland), San Diego Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Sarasota Orchestra and the Lanzhou Symphony in China.

    Working under the baton of such luminaries as James Levine, Christoph Eshenbach, Christoph von Dohnányi, and Bernard Haitink, last season saw a diverse repertoire of BSO perfomances as well as concertos, recitals and master classes throughout the U.S. including New York, Washington, Oregon, Georgia, Alabama and locations throughout China.

    Mr. Oft’s 2012/2013 season highlights include performances as a soloist with the Boston Classical Orchestra and recitals in Catania, Italy, Chengdu, China, and Beijing, China. Mr. Oft will also appear at Carnegie Hall with the Boston Symphony Orchestra performing his celebrated Principal Trombone position in Mahler’s Symphony No. 3, and Ravel’s L'enfant et les sortilèges, as well as chamber performances of Martin’s Concerto for Seven Winds.

    During the summer months Toby Oft is in residence with the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood where he performs extensively as an orchestral and chamber musician as well as solo performances with the Boston University Tanglewood Institute. In addition, Mr. Oft coaches extensively the distinguished fellows of the Tanglewood Music Center and is a frequent coach of the New World Symphony. This compliments the ongoing work he performs on trombone faculty at the New England Conservatory and Boston University.