Christa Robinson is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as an oboist and conductor. Born in 1979 in New York City, Robinson grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to classical music from a young age. Her father, Earl Robinson, was a composer and her mother, Marlene Robinson, was a pianist. Robinson began playing the oboe at the age of 10 and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. Robinson attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied with Elaine Douvas and John Mack. She also studied with Richard Woodhams at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. During her time at Juilliard, Robinson won several awards, including the Peter Mennin Prize for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. After graduating from Juilliard, Robinson joined the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra as second oboist. She held this position for several years before being appointed principal oboist of the American Symphony Orchestra in 2003. Robinson has also performed with other major orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and the Philadelphia Orchestra. In addition to her work as an oboist, Robinson is also an accomplished conductor. She has conducted several orchestras, including the American Symphony Orchestra, the Juilliard Orchestra, and the New York Youth Symphony. Robinson has also served as a guest conductor for the New York Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. One of Robinson's most notable performances was her solo debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2005. She performed the oboe concerto by Richard Strauss, which was met with critical acclaim. The New York Times praised Robinson's "warm, rich tone and impeccable technique." Robinson has also been recognized for her work as a conductor. In 2010, she was awarded the Taki Concordia Fellowship, which is given to female conductors who show exceptional promise. Robinson used the fellowship to study with Marin Alsop, the music director of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. In addition to her work as a performer and conductor, Robinson is also a dedicated teacher. She has taught at several institutions, including the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Robinson is known for her ability to inspire and motivate her students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music. Robinson's repertoire as an oboist includes works by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, among others. She is also known for her performances of contemporary music, having premiered several works by living composers. Robinson's recordings include a solo album, "Oboe Music of the Americas," which features works by American composers. Throughout her career, Robinson has been recognized for her exceptional talent and dedication to music. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Sphinx Medal of Excellence, and the Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans. Robinson continues to perform, conduct, and teach, inspiring audiences and students alike with her passion for classical music.

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