Andrea Overturf serves as English horn of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra (holding the Dr. William and Evelyn Lamden English Horn Chair), a position she previously held with The Florida Orchestra. Equally adept at the oboe, she received second prize in the 2007 International Double Reed Society Gillet-Fox Solo Oboe Competition. Ms. Overturf has appeared as guest English horn with numerous orchestras across the country including the Los Angeles Philharmonic, National and Seattle Symphonies. She has presented solo recitals throughout the United States and Asia and has appeared as guest soloist with the San Diego Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Seattle Symphony and Aspen Music Festival, among others. Ms. Overturf has performed with numerous summer festivals including La Jolla SummerFest, the Mainly Mozart Festival, the Tanglewood Music Center, National Repertory Orchestra and the Aspen Music Festival where she held the English horn fellowship for three years. As a chamber musician she has collaborated with artists such as James Conlon, Lorin Maazel, John Harbison and James Levine, including the American stage premiere of Elliott Carter’s opera What Next?
Andrea Overturf is the first oboist in the history of The Juilliard School to graduate from the prestigious solo-intensive Artist Diploma Program where she also received her Master’s Degree. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Eastman School of Music, graduating with the Performer’s Certificate, the highest performance distinction awarded to undergraduates. Her principal teachers include Elaine Douvas, Pedro Diaz, Nathan Hughes, Richard Killmer, Richard Woodhams and Rebecca Henderson. Originally from Seattle, Ms. Overturf is an avid visual artist and creates mixed media sculpture in her free time. For more information, please visit www.andreaoverturf.com.
GETTING TO KNOW ANDREA OVERTURF…
Q: What are your favorite three tunes or pieces on your iPod/Mp3 or CD collection?
A: It’s always changing! At the moment: “Fly” by Nick Drake, “Space Oddity” by David Bowie, “Goodnight and Go” by Imogen Heap.
Q: How did you choose your instrument?
A: I wanted to pick an instrument that was unusual, challenging, and that the other kids in school weren’t picking. That narrowed it down to horn and oboe. My cousin played oboe so I was already familiar with it.
Q: What are three of your favorite movies?
A: Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Amelie, Edward Scissorhands
Q: What are some favorite composers and/or musical periods?
A: I love Twentieth Century, especially Stravinsky and Barber; also Arvo Pärt. Bach and Brahms are like “soul food” as well.
Q: Where might you be found on a Saturday night if you’re not performing with the Orchestra?
A: Either out and about with friends or having a night in, painting and watching movies.
Q: The non-musical accomplishment you are most proud of is…?
A: I grew up showing American Quarter Horses and in high school came one half point from being named World Champion in my respective event.
