WEATHER UPDATE 10:30 AM on Jan 10: Due to a declared state of emergency in North Carolina for impending severe weather conditions, and out of concern for the safety of our audience and musicians, tonight's Bach & Mozart concert at Knight Theater is cancelled. Ticketholders for tonight’s concert will receive an email with ticket options.

Timothy Swanson

Timothy Swanson

On Stage

Oboist Timothy Swanson is an artist devoted to providing moving and evocative musical experiences. Formerly the principal oboist of the Delaware Symphony, Mr. Swanson is currently the Principal Oboist of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Swanson has performed a wide variety of music in many orchestras around the country, including the Minnesota Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Virginia Symphony, seeking to make art that is in dialogue with modern audiences and the society they live in.

In addition to his professional work, Mr. Swanson is committed to honing his craft through summer music festivals, such as the National Repertory Orchestra and the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. Additionally, Timothy will perform with the Verbier Festival Orchestra for their summer 2024 season.

Timothy holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School, where he studied with Nathan Hughes, Elaine Douvas, Linda Strommen, and English Horn with Scott Hostetler. Mr. Swanson is also an ardent proponent of outreach and community engagement, having worked with the National Repertory Orchestra and Juilliard’s Gluck Community Service Fellowship Program to give powerful and educational performances in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and places that need music the most.

Raised in Clear Lake, Iowa, Mr. Swanson first studied piano at the age of 5 and started learning the oboe at age 10. Performances in concert band, marching band, and jazz ensembles sparked an enduring passion for music.

Off Stage


Where did you grow up? Hometown?
I grew up in Clear Lake, IA.

What do you like to do outside of work? Do you have any favorite hobbies?
I enjoy biking and cooking.

If you could meet one composer, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would like to meet Bela Bartok because I'm interested in how he handles the intersection between the classical music tradition and popular music.

What would you do if you weren’t a professional musician?
If I weren't a musician, I would like to be a scientist.

What are you looking forward to about being part of the Charlotte Symphony?
I'm looking forward to making music with this great ensemble!