Anne Leek, oboe, was educated at Juilliard where she received her bachelors of music, masters of music and doctor of musical arts degrees. During her time in New York, she performed on a recital in Carnegie Hall sponsored by the Artists International Contest, which she won. During the 1980s, Anne was solo principal oboe of the Mannheim Orchestra in Germany.
Before joining the Houston Symphony, she played a two-year position as principal oboe in the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Lorin Maazel. Along with her career as an orchestral musician, Anne has taught at Indiana University, Arizona State University and has taught at the University of Houston. As a recital soloist and chamber musician, she has appeared in numerous major cities across the world.
Are you particularly excited about an upcoming concert?
I am looking forward to the Ella Fitzgerald POPS concerts next season. I simply love the music and interpretations she did and want to hear what the artists do to represent her. I am also looking forward to many of our upcoming soloists as the standards of the guests are inspiring and instructive.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I’m not sure there was a particular event. I started fiddling with my mom’s piano when I was 3 and never looked back! I was too small to become a pianist, so she guided me toward oboe. I went to Juilliard at 16.
What would you be if you weren’t a professional musician?
Probably a doctor or a history professor.
Is there a notable performance or event in your career you’d like to share?
Well, playing the Mozart concerto with the New York Philharmonic (which turned out to be a premier of that piece as no oboist had ever performed it with them) was pretty exciting. Playing a recital program with Christoph Eschenbach at the Ravinia Festival was great, too.
In addition to performing, you also have a talent for organizing concerts. Tell us a bit about the Greenbriar Consortium.
I formed the Greenbriar Consortium so that my Symphony colleagues and I could do creative, fun and informative chamber music concerts. All of us donate our time and talent to play music we love with our friends. We play about four to five concerts each year and present many premiers and rare pieces of music. The programs are all oriented to a theme and are free (donations accepted) to the public. You can see what we have coming up at www.greenbriarconsortium.com!
Anne Leek is sponsored by Dr. Jim T. Willerson.
