Tamar Narkiss-Melzer started playing the oboe at the age of 15. In 1985 she graduated from the Rubin Music Academy in Tel-Aviv, where she studied with Eliahu Torner, and won first prizes in concerto and chamber music competitions. While staying in the U.S. during the years 1985-92, she continued her studies with renowned oboists, including Ray Still, John DeLancie, Sarah Lambert-Bloom, and Richard Killmer. She has also played in the U.S. in various ensembles and orchestras, such as the Chicago Civic, the Sarasota Festival Orchestra, and the Miami City Ballet Orchestra, where she served as principal oboist during the 1990-91 season. After returning to Israel, Tamar joined the Israel Philharmonic, where she plays since 1992. She also takes part in chamber music concerts throughout the country.
