Sherry Sylar

Sherry Sylar

is currently performing in the role of Principal Oboe of the New York Philharmonic, and has held the position of Associate Principal Oboe for forty two years. Besides being regularly featured as a solo artist with the NYP, she has played guest principal with the Boston Symphony, Chicago Symphony, St. Louis Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra and Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France. A highlight of her career, she was one of eight NY Philharmonic musicians chosen to perform in an international orchestra led by Leonard Bernstein, representing the United States during the 1989 Christmas season at the Berlin Celebration Concerts celebrating the dismantling of the Berlin Wall. In addition to serving on, often chairing, the NY Philharmonic’s Artistic Advisory Committee, the Orchestra Committee, the NYP Chamber Committee and the Stamas Scholarship Committee for many years, Ms. Sylar is also a Professor at the Manhattan School of Music and provides master’s classes throughout the U.S. and the world. She is an active participant of the International Double Reed Society. “Having had a love affair with Laubin oboes and English horns for the majority of my career, I feel a bona fide member of the family! There is nothing sweeter in my musical life than the absolute rich and dark vibrations that come from the many Laubin instruments I have owned. I am addicted to the gorgeous sound! Playing these oboes has enriched my life and given me inspiration to ‘sing’ with my extraordinary colleagues in the New York Philharmonic. When Paul Laubin passed away I was distraught, worried that the tradition would also pass. But with new leadership the company remains a force in the double reed world. I am currently playing one of the new Laubin Oboes and feel it may be the best yet!”  -December 2024