Robert Diaz, a native of Miami Florida, is a third-year Oboe Fellow at the New World Symphony. He recently earned his bachelor's degree at the New England Conservatory (NEC) under the tutelage of John Ferrillo and Anne-Marie Gabriele, where he was awarded the Laura Ahlbeck Full Tuition Scholarship. Prior to NEC, he graduated from the Interlochen Arts Academy. Some of his other notable mentors include Frank Rosenwein, Nathan Hughes, Dane Philipsen and Jeffrey Stephenson.

Recently, Robert has played with Naples Philharmonic, Palm Beach Symphony, Boston Philharmonic, Boston Chamber Symphony and Boston Civic Symphony. He was reviewed while performing Beethoven's 3rd Symphony with New World Symphony: “Robert Diaz’s oboe solos were phrased with great musicality and a wealth of tone.” (South Florida Classical Review) Also in BSO’s Symphony Hall performing Brahms’ 1st Symphony with BPYO: “The sinuous, keening oboe of Robert Diaz made a dazzling impression, projecting ineffable poetic arcs” (The Boston Musical Intelligencer).

He performed in venues all over the world such as the BSO’s Symphony Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Musikverein in Vienna, Rudolfinum in Prague and Stadtcasino Basel in Switzerland and more.

Robert’s recent festival appearances include National Repertory Orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, Kent Blossom and Aspen Music Festival. He was a finalist in the 2024 SOPA Orchestra Excerpt Competition, and in 2018 he was selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Scholar performing the Poulenc Oboe Sonata on NPR’s From The Top.

Robert has developed a passion for mentoring young musicians, and was selected as a Teaching Fellow for NEC’s Community Performances and Partnerships during his undergraduate studies. When not making reeds, he can be found taking care of his toy poodle, at the rock climbing gym, or at the beach. He also loves basketball and chess.