Meet the Musicians: Ian Wisekal, Principal Oboist

Ian Wisekal, a native of Dallas, TX and Stony Brook, NY, serves as Principal Oboe of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Crested Butte Music Festival, and previously held the position of Associate Principal Oboe with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra. He can be heard playing principal oboe on that orchestra’s recording of Cofresí, which was nominated for a Latin Grammy. He joined the faculty of the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music in 2013. 

Prof. Wisekal is an active performer throughout Colorado and beyond. He plays frequently with the Colorado Symphony and professional ensembles across the state. He has performed at the Sarasota Music Festival, the Banff Centre in Canada, the Music Masters Festival of Japan, the Casals Festival of Puerto Rico and the AIMS festival in Austria. Besides his album with the PRSO, he has made recordings with the Colorado Symphony, as soloist with the Lamont Symphony Orchestra, and in the performance studio of Colorado Public Radio.

 Wisekal received his bachelor’s degree with high distinction from the Eastman School of Music and his master’s degree from Southern Methodist University, earning full scholarships at both institutions. In 2012, he traveled to study with David Walter at the Paris Conservatory thanks to a grant from the Pro-Symphony Association of Puerto Rico. His major teachers include Richard Killmer, Erin Hannigan, Terry Keevil and Ceci Lagarenné. 

Ian has given masterclasses throughout the U.S. and abroad, appearing most recently as guest artist at Baylor University, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, the University of Oklahoma and the week-long Oboe Workshop at the University of Costa Rica. His students have earned scholarships to top music schools, including Eastman and the New England Conservatory, and have performed as soloists and regular members of professional orchestras.

In his spare time, Wisekal enjoys traveling, hiking, and photography. His most recent trip, to Iceland, combined all three, venturing into and marveling at the otherworldly volcanic and glacial landscapes. You can learn more and hear his playing at: portfolio.du.edu/iwisekal.