Robert Atherholt

Robert Atherholt retired from the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 2011 after twenty-seven years as Principal oboist. He continues his long association at The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University where he is Professor of oboe.

He was a student of Robert Bloom at The Juilliard School. Prior to joining the HSO, he was a member of Orpheus, The St. Luke’s Chamber Ensemble, and The Opera Orchestra of New York among others. He was Principal oboist of The New Jersey Symphony during the 1979 – 80 season and has appeared as guest Principal oboist with The Boston Symphony, The St. Louis Symphony, The St Paul Chamber Orchestra, The Santa Fe Opera, The Houston Grand Opera, The Houston Ballet, The Sun Valley Summer Symphony and is presently Principal oboist of The Grand Teton Music Festival.

Robert has given clinics and classes at The New World Symphony, Oberlin, The National Orchestral Institute, Round Top, The National Repertory Orchestra, and The Texas Music Festival. His former students hold positions in many American Orchestras as well as orchestras in Israel and Switzerland.