Erik Behr

Erik Behr, D.M.A., is an Adjunct Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College and Principal Oboe at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 2007. He has performed with major orchestras like the San Francisco Symphony and co-directs the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester with his wife, Juliana Athayde. His career spans orchestral performance, chamber music, and music education.

• Education: D.M.A. from Rice University, M.M. from Temple University, B.M. from Arizona State University

Behr champions new music, premiering Allen Shawn’s Oboe Concerto (2018) and collaborating with composers like Jeff Tyzik. His playing is celebrated as "bold and graceful" (Washington Post). He teaches oboe performance and offers masterclasses at institutions including Carnegie Hall’s NYO-USA.

Performance Affiliations: Current Principal Oboe, Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and Sun Valley Music Festival; former roles at Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet; guest principal positions with Atlanta Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and others.