Genre

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Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Julie Ann Giacobassi is a renowned oboist and a prominent figure in the world of classical music. Born on August 1, 1953, in Niagara Falls, New York, Giacobassi grew up in a family of musicians. Her father was a jazz pianist, and her mother was a singer. Giacobassi started playing the oboe at the age of 11 and quickly fell in love with the instrument. Giacobassi attended the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, where she studied with renowned oboist Richard Killmer. After graduating from Eastman, Giacobassi moved to San Francisco to study with Marc Lifschey, the principal oboist of the San Francisco Symphony. In 1977, Giacobassi won the position of principal oboist with the San Francisco Symphony, a position she held for over 30 years. During her tenure with the San Francisco Symphony, Giacobassi became known for her virtuosic playing and her ability to blend seamlessly with the orchestra. She was also a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, performing with some of the world's most renowned musicians and ensembles. In 1985, Giacobassi was a featured soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, performing the world premiere of John Adams' Oboe Concerto. Giacobassi's career was not without its challenges. In 1996, she was diagnosed with focal dystonia, a neurological disorder that affects the muscles used in playing the oboe. Despite this setback, Giacobassi continued to perform and teach, and she became an advocate for musicians with focal dystonia. She also worked with instrument makers to develop a new oboe design that would be easier for musicians with focal dystonia to play. In addition to her work with the San Francisco Symphony, Giacobassi has been a faculty member at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music since 1982. She has also taught at the Aspen Music Festival and School, the Music Academy of the West, and the Pacific Music Festival in Sapporo, Japan. Giacobassi has mentored countless young musicians, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in music. Giacobassi has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In 2001, she was awarded the San Francisco Symphony's Outstanding Musician Award, and in 2006, she was named a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2011, Giacobassi was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Double Reed Society. Giacobassi retired from the San Francisco Symphony in 2018, but she continues to perform and teach. She is a member of the Bay Area-based chamber ensemble Earplay, and she has performed with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players and the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble. Giacobassi is also a member of the oboe faculty at the University of California, Berkeley. In conclusion, Julie Ann Giacobassi is a highly respected oboist and a beloved figure in the world of classical music. Her virtuosic playing, dedication to her craft, and commitment to mentoring young musicians have made her a role model for generations of musicians. Despite facing challenges throughout her career, Giacobassi has remained a passionate advocate for the oboe and for musicians with focal dystonia. Her contributions to the world of classical music will be felt for years to come.

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