Erik Behr

Dr. Erik Behr, D.M.A., has been Principal Oboe at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra since 2007, following roles at the Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet. He has also performed as guest principal oboe with orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, Atlanta Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Nashville Symphony. In addition to his year-round duties, Behr is the principal oboe for the Sun Valley Music Festival and has performed at prestigious festivals such as Edinburgh International and Spoleto.

A champion of new music, Behr premiered Allen Shawn’s Oboe Concerto in 2018, and has worked with composers like Jeff Tyzik and Jim Willey on commissioned pieces. He and his wife, RPO Concertmaster Juliana Athayde, co-direct the Society for Chamber Music in Rochester, where Behr premiered and recorded Adam Roberts’ Oboe Quartet. Behr’s playing has been praised for its "bold and graceful" style (Washington Post) and "immaculate" execution (Sunday Tribune).

In addition to his performing career, Behr is an Adjunct Professor at Roberts Wesleyan College and has taught at institutions such as Cleveland Institute of Music, Oberlin Conservatory, and Rice University. He also gives masterclasses at the National Orchestral Institute + Festival and Carnegie Hall's NYO-USA. Behr holds a B.M. from Arizona State University, an M.M. from Temple University, and a D.M.A. from Rice University.