Hometown:
Boynton Beach, FL. United States
Education:
University of North Carolina School of the Arts – Performance Artist Certificate – 2023-2024 Teacher: Robin Driscoll
Cleveland Institute of Music – Masters of Oboe Performance – 2018-2020 – Teachers: Jeffrey Rathbun and Frank Rosenwein
Florida State University – Bachelors of Music – 2014-2018 – Teacher: Dr. Eric Ohlsson
Bio:
Adrian Gonzalez, a native of Boynton Beach FL. He actively performs with the Winston Salem Symphony, West Piedmont Opera, Youngstown Symphony, the Cleveland Opera, the Cleveland Pops, the Wheeling Symphony, the Battle Creek Symphony, and the Billings Symphony. Adrian is Principal oboe with the Mansfield Symphony and has performed with The Cleveland Orchestra, City Music Cleveland, The New World Symphony, and The Palm Beach Symphony. Beyond orchestral performance, Adrian has performed extensively in Chamber Music in the Greater Cleveland area.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My Dad: He was a classical guitarist professionally and musicologist.
Who are your all-time favorite composers and/or pieces? Why?
J.S. Bach; Goldberg Variations – Schoenberg; Verklarte Nacht – W.A. Mozart; Hard to choose!
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
Oboe is great because it involves one transforming an organic natural material into an eternal mercurial sound.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Hiking and playing soccer.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose NRO for numerous reasons. During my time and after CIM, I worked extensively with maestro Topilow. Many of my schoolmates and colleagues went to NRO. I feel like there is not a better place (as acknowledged by namesake) where one can fully immerse themselves in a wide selection of orchestral repertoire. I also feel like combining music and nature of this beauty is an ideal experience.