Curtis Kidwell is well known throughout California for his Oboe performances. “Curtis Kidwell plays with fluid skill and emotion, Brilliant!” – said Auburn Journal. “Mr. Kidwell performed all three movements beautifully, with quick brilliance” – haled the Sacramento Bee.

A native of Santa Cruz California, Curtis Kidwell began playing the Oboe at age 16, after previously studying the Clarinet. His Professional training began under the tutelage of Pam Hakl (former principal oboist of the San Jose Symphony and Opera San Jose). He earned his Bachelor of Music at the New World School of the Arts in Miami, Florida studying with Erica Yamada (co-principal oboe Florida Philharmonic/ Florida Grand Opera) in 1995. Mr. Kidwell then pursued further studies at the prestigious San Francisco Conservatory of Music, earning his masters of music performance in 1997. In San Francisco Mr. Kidwell studied under the master direction of John deLancie (former principal oboist of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra/ Dean of Curtis Institute of Music).

After completing his studies in San Francisco, Curtis Kidwell made his way to Sacramento in 1999 to further his professional career. Mr. Kidwell received many scholarships to many prestigious festivals throughout America and Europe including: Aspen, Tanglewood, Marrowstone, Pacific, and Bowdoin Music Festivals. Often serving as teaching faculty as well as performing. Mr. Kidwell also was a winner of the Fischoff Chamber Music, Carmel Chamber Society, and Colmann Chamber Competitions. While in Sacramento, Curtis Kidwell is currently the principal Oboe of Folsom Lake Symphony, Vallejo Symphony, Auburn Symphony, and Camellia Symphony. He also served as former co-principal Oboe/English horn of Napa Valley Symphony. Curtis Kidwell is a member of the “Tres Musicos” Trio, Capitol Chamber Players, and “Wolfgang” (Sacramento Philharmonic Wind Quintet); both performing and arranging works for chamber ensembles. To contact Mr. Kidwell, email him at Curtis.Kidwell@folsomlakesymphony.com.