The Hardison and Stoltze Chair

Since joining the North Carolina Symphony in 1989, Principal Oboe Melanie Wilsden has been a featured soloist with the Symphony on several occasions, most recently performing the Mozart Oboe Concerto at UNC Health Summerfest 2022. She has also been a featured guest with the Brussels Chamber Orchestra.

Born in Hatfield, England, Wilsden grew up in Atlanta, Georgia. Having received her bachelor’s degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, she went on to earn her master’s degree at The Juilliard School. Before coming to North Carolina, she held the position of Associate Principal Oboe with the San Francisco Symphony and was oboist and English hornist with the Savannah Symphony Orchestra. She has also performed with other orchestras, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Cleveland Orchestra, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

Wilsden has served on the faculties of NC State University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Meredith College, St. Mary’s School, and Cannon Music Camp at Appalachian State University, and also maintains a private music studio.