John Upton is Principal Oboe of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Prior to his appointment at the Metropolitan Opera, he worked extensively throughout New York City. Upton played frequently with the New York Philharmonic on both oboe and English horn. He has also performed with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, the American Ballet Theater Orchestra, and The Knights.
Before moving to New York City, Upton was Principal Oboe of the Florida Orchestra and was also a member of the New World Symphony and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. He has performed as guest principal oboist of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Other guest performances include the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the National Arts Centre Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra.
Upton began his studies at the Eastman School of Music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree. Upon graduation, he was awarded the prestigious Performer's Certificate, the school’s highest performance prize. Upton continued his studies at the Juilliard School, where he received his Master of Music degree. After receiving first prize in the International Double Reed Society’s biennial Young Artist Competition, Upton was awarded a solo recital at the 2010 International Double Reed Society conference. He has also been a featured soloist with the Florida Orchestra, performing the Mozart Oboe Concerto. Upton has performed at many summer festivals including the Verbier Festival, Tanglewood Music Center, Mainly Mozart, Classical Tahoe, and the Sun Valley Music Festival. His most influential teachers include Nathan Hughes, Richard Killmer, and Nancy Ambrose King.
This is his first appearance at PMF.