James Mason
oboe
James Mason is highly regarded as one of Canada’s most prominent oboists. In May 2019 he retired from full-time orchestral playing after performing as Principal Oboe of the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony for 40 years. He has recorded most of the standard chamber music and solo oboe repertoire, along with several new works written specifically for him. Mr. Mason has appeared as guest Principal Oboe with the Boston Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Montreal Symphony, along with the National Arts Centre Orchestra.
Mason was on the faculty of Wilfrid Laurier University for 37 years. His students occupy positions in orchestras and other cultural institutions across North America. He plays a Yamaha oboe and is a Yamaha Artist.
Presently, Jim is running a musical instrument business (selling oboes, of course!) and he programs and performs chamber music with his wife violinist Julie Baumgartel and friends.