Eugene Izotov

Eugene Izotov is a Professor of Oboe and Woodwind Chamber Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). He holds the principal oboe position with the San Francisco Symphony since 2014, previously serving as principal oboist with the Chicago Symphony (2005–2015) and the Metropolitan Opera (2002–2005). A renowned performer and educator, Izotov has collaborated with prestigious orchestras and conductors worldwide, including Bernard Haitink and James Levine.

Education: BM from Boston University School of Fine Arts. His teaching roles include SFCM, Music Academy of the West, Pacific Music Festival (Japan), and former faculty positions at The Juilliard School and DePaul University. He conducts master classes globally, including at the Aspen Music Festival and Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

Research interests focus on oboe performance techniques, chamber music dynamics, and orchestral ensemble practices. He emphasizes the intersection of historical performance traditions with modern pedagogy. His recordings include Stravinsky’s Pulcinella with the Chicago Symphony and Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 under Haitink.

Advising and grants: Izotov mentors students through applied lessons and chamber ensembles at SFCM. His career has been supported by orchestral residencies and international teaching engagements. He is a pioneer in Russian-American musical exchange, being the first Russian-born musician to hold a principal wind position in a major U.S. orchestra.

Labs/Teams: Core member of San Francisco Symphony, Chicago Symphony, and MET Chamber Ensemble. Active in Pacific Music Festival (Japan) and Music Academy of the West (California).