Player Portrait

Karen Wagner

Oboe

First season with the Oregon Symphony:

1998-1999

Most influential teacher(s):

My very first teacher, Ron Richards, taught me to always play musically and that a love for music is like no other. My other most influential teacher was Allan Vogel; he gave me the courage and the tools to execute my ideas.

Earliest musical memory:

When I was around age five, my family was attending a friend's Bar Mitzvah and I must have been bored, so I sat down at a piano that was pushed off to the side and just started playing. I had never had a lesson. Soon after, I began Suzuki piano lessons. That was the beginning of the END of my not-so-promising piano career. I think all were grateful when the oboe came along at age nine!

"I first knew I would make music my career when ... "

When I thought about doing anything else, it just seemed impossible. I never had any doubt that I wanted to play in a professional orchestra.

"Other than performing music, I've always thought it might be fun to be a ... "

Work in the rock music industry either as a band manager or a back-up singer! The latter may still come to pass.

Favorite composer and/or period?

My favorite music to play is the music of Mozart. My playing has always been well suited to the Classical repertoire. I also love playing Mahler for the challenge. Ultimately, this is really a hard question to answer.

What does this photograph say about your life?

Emily and Kerin, the students pictured here, are my first two students ever. I never imagined teaching at all, let alone loving it so much. I decided to have my photo taken with them because they represent something that has become a very important part of my life. I now have five students.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

Having the privilege of doing it!

Other than playing great music, what do you see as the Symphony's most important role?

Helping to continue to educate children in this country about classical music — especially in an age when some schools don't even have a music program.

What is your favorite part of being a member of the Oregon Symphony?

Earning a living playing music in one of our country's most beautiful cities! I love Portland!

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