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Performer

A singing style, rich color palette, and fluid technique are the hallmarks of Andrew Parker's performances.

Dr. Andrew Parker maintains a rich career as an orchestral musician, soloist, and chamber player in addition to his experience as a teacher. He has appeared as a guest soloist with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Great Falls Symphony, The Puerto Rico Philharmonic, and the University of Texas Symphony Orchestra. He has also played in many orchestras in North America, including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, the Florida Orchestra, the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Richmond, Ann Arbor, Flint, New Mexico, Santa Fe, Great Falls, and the Plymouth Symphony. Andrew is currently the principal oboe of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Parker has worked with several conductors including Mark Russell Smith, Nicholas McGegan, Yuri Tamirkanov, Robert Spano, Manfred Honeck, Marin Alsop, JoAnn Falletta, David Robertson, Michael Stern, Jaap van Zweden, David Zinman, Leonard Slatkin, Guillermo Figueroa, Stefan Sanderling, Jahja Ling, James Gaffigan, and Larry Rachleff.

Performing with my fun and inspiring colleague, Kristin Wolfe Jensen. We had a great time playing the Francaix Trio on stage at the Round Top Festival Institute; this work felt like a musical representation of our friendship.

Performing with my fun and inspiring colleague, Kristin Wolfe Jensen. We had a great time playing the Francaix Trio on stage at the Round Top Festival Institute; this work felt like a musical representation of our friendship.

Getting to perform and tour with the Trifecta Trio is always one of the highlights of my year. I have known Sarah Whitney, Laura Metcalf Boyd, and Angela Pickett for many years from various music festivals. Here we are playing Moeran, Fantasy Quartet at ChatterAbq in Albuquerque, NM.

Getting to perform and tour with the Trifecta Trio is always one of the highlights of my year. I have known Sarah Whitney, Laura Metcalf Boyd, and Angela Pickett for many years from various music festivals. Here we are playing Moeran, Fantasy Quartet at ChatterAbq in Albuquerque, NM.

Gabriel's Oboe with the UT Trombone Choir

Francaix Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano

Discography

 
Andrew’s solo album, The Singing Oboe, was released under the MSR Records label in 2014.  The album was featured as CD of the week on the Boston station 99.5 WCRB. 

Andrew’s solo album, The Singing Oboe, was released under the MSR Records label in 2014.  The album was featured as CD of the week on the Boston station 99.5 WCRB. 

Dr. Andrew Parker recently released an album entitled Portraits in Music which features works for oboe, bassoon, and piano.

Dr. Andrew Parker recently released an album entitled Portraits in Music which features works for oboe, bassoon, and piano.

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He has also released an album of Handel trio sonatas with Nancy Ambrose King called Handel: The “Halle” Sonatas, HWV 380-385. 

Testimonials

Testimonials - Performer
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“Andy Parker is a musicians’ musician. Every note he plays has meaning. He plays with direction, sensitivity, and always with an amazing ever-changing and nuanced sound. He is at once a star and a great collaborator. I feel so fortunate to have shared the stage with him for so many memorable performances and look forward to many more to come.”

— Mark Russell Smith, Music Director and Conductor at Quad City Symphony Orchestra

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“Every summer, I have the joy of collaborating with Andy on the faculty of the International Festival Institute at Round Top. Andy’s spirit brings a bright light to the entire community there; all the faculty and students (not just the oboes!) are lifted up by his energy, enthusiasm, and love for music. He never ceases to amaze me with his incredible musicianship and his genuine care for his students and colleagues.”

— Jason Shafer, Principal Clarinet, Colorado Symphony; Faculty, University of Northern Colorado

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“Working with Andrew Parker was a joy...his tone is exquisite and his technique flawless. Hearing him perform my Oboe Concerto was like experiencing the piece anew.”

— Jennifer Higdon, American Composer

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“Andrew Parker is one of the most remarkable musicians and teachers I have ever encountered. His oboe and English Horn playing are stunningly beautiful, and his ability to interpret and teach music’s communicative meanings in a positive and inspiring manner makes him one of the leading pedagogues of our time. He is without question one of the most thrilling musicians I have ever encountered.”

— Jerry Junkin, Dallas Winds and UT Austin Director of Bands

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“Andy is a gifted oboist with a beautiful tone, distinctive charm, and talent. He brings rich and expansive knowledge and intellect to his music-making while displaying freshness, creativity, and innate joy to his performances. His generosity and artistic nature are an inspiration to all of us who are fortunate to know him.”

— Benjamin Coelho, Professor of Bassoon at the University of Iowa and Principal Bassoon at Quad City Symphony Orchestra

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“A singing style and exquisite tone are immediately apparent in every musical line that Andy draws from the oboe. I can hardly imagine a colleague with a more generous nature and good-humored spirit, both as a musician and a person. I consider myself very fortunate to have the opportunity to know him and perform with him over the years.”

— James Shields, Principal Clarinet, Oregon Symphony Orchestra and founding member of Chatter ABQ