Oregon Symphony’s Principal Oboe Announces Retirement

Martin Hébert is stepping down from the orchestra after 19 years as principal oboe

Martin Hébert, who has occupied the Oregon Symphony’s (OS) Harold J Schnitzer Principal Oboe Chair since 2006, has announced his retirement at the end of the 2024/25 season after 19 years of service. 

A Cleveland native, Hébert studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music with John Mack and has performed as Guest Principal Oboe with orchestras such as the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Atlanta Symphony. 

Prior to being appointed at the OS, he held principal roles with the Florida Orchestra, the Savannah Symphony Orchestra, and the Mexico City Philharmonic. 

He has since appeared as a soloist with the OS, playing with opera and ballet companies across several cities, and playing in festivals including the Crested Butte Music Festival. In chamber music, he has performed with ensembles such as the Chamber Music Northwest, 

With international tours including those to Japan, Hong Kong, Western Europe, and South America, Hébert has also recorded for a number of international labels. 

After his retirement from OS, he will continue to teach and coach youth groups in Oregon and pursue outdoor activities. 

Stepping up as Principal Oboe in his place will be Harrison Linsey, who is joining the OS from the National Symphony Orchestra. 

“As we look ahead to the 2025/26 season, we are honored to welcome these two extraordinary musicians to the Oregon Symphony family,” said OS Music Director David Danzmayr. “And we celebrate, with profound gratitude, the extraordinary careers of Martin Hébert and Peter Frajola, two musicians whose talent, dedication, and leadership have shaped the Oregon Symphony for decades. While they will take their final bows with us at the end of this season, their legacy will continue to resonate in every note we play.”