Olav van Hezewijk

Acting Principal English Horn

Year you joined the ECSO:1987

Olav Van Hezewijk is Assistant Principal Oboe and English Horn of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Principal Oboe of the New Haven and Waterbury Symphony Orchestras and Principal Oboe of the Colorado Music Festival. He is, also, a sought after soloist, has soloed with the aforementioned orchestras plus the Yale Camerata, Jupiter Symphony and China National Symphony, where he was guest Principal Oboe in 2003. He was a prize winner in the International Double Reed Competition in Graz, Austria in 1984, following graduation from the Yale School of Music. Olav is from the Netherlands and graduated from Het Twent Conservatory in 1982.

Hidden talent(s):Spiritual endeavors related to Buddhism.

Favorite musical memory:Performing as guest Principal Oboe at Opera City Hall, Tokyo, with the China National Symphony.

Favorite Motto or Quote:“Nice is not enough”.

Favorite Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach

What/Who inspired you to take up your instrument:My father was an organist and encouraged me to study the recorder, which led to the oboe eventually.