James Austin Smith

James Austin Smith is a versatile and adventurous oboist, renowned for his dynamic performances and engaging on-stage presence. With a master's degree from the Yale School of Music and bachelor's degrees in political science and music from Northwestern University, Smith brings a unique blend of intellectual curiosity and musical brilliance to his craft. As an artist of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), and Decoda, he is a star and anchor of the chamber music scene, yet also a maverick, carving his own path in classical music. The New Yorker praises him for proving "an oboist can have an adventurous solo career," while The New York Times describes him as "brilliant" and "virtuosic." Whether performing, curating, or hosting, James Austin Smith delivers a captivating experience that transcends traditional boundaries.