Blair’s Music

Highlights of Blair’s professional music career

An accomplished oboist, Blair Tindall’s decades-long career was rich and varied. Recognized for her flair and creativity, her musical career ranged from the classical stage of Carnegie Hall to the late-night ambiance of New York’s famed Blue Note Jazz Club.

Click the play button above to hear Blair’s solo performance on the motion-picture soundtrack of Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.

Accomplishments and recognition

From Bach to Broadway, Blair boasts an accomplished musical career of breadth and flair. She played classical and contemporary music in symphonies, orchestras, quartets, and Broadway productions.

• Presented her critically acclaimed debut at Weill Recital Hall (at Carnegie Hall) in 1991.
• Captured a top prize in the 1988 Lucarelli Competition for Solo Oboists.
• Appeared in the United States and abroad with the New York Philharmonic and its 15-member chamber ensemble.
• Played principal oboe with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, New York City Ballet and Opera Orchestras, and New Jersey Symphony.
• Appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony; San Jose Symphony, Ballet and Opera; New England Bach Festival; Bargemusic; Lark and Colorado String Quartets; and was principal oboist of the Vivaldi Traveling Circus.
• Recorded for multiple music labels including: Opus One, Deutsche Grammophon, Chesky, Columbia, Varese Sarabande, Nonesuch, and Premier.
• Held the solo oboe chair for the Broadway productions of Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, Man of La Mancha, and Aspects of Love.
• Was principal oboist of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic from 1986 to 1999.
• Voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences for the Grammy Awards.
• Taught oboe at the University of California-Berkeley and at Mills College

Blair’s interest in contemporary music led to numerous premieres and commissions.

• Presented the world premiere of Edward Thomas’ “Images” with the Vivaldi Traveling Circus.
• Collaborated with composer Carlos Franzetti on the first recording of his “Oboe Concerto.”
• Included on the program of her Dame Myra Hess recital in Chicago was Elizabeth Brown’s “Boll Weevil,” which was written expressly for her as was that composer’s “A Fragile Barrier.”
• Twice appeared as soloist with the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players.

Blair can be heard on many film, radio, and television soundtracks.

• Recorded the theme music for National Public Radio’s Performance Today.
• Recorded the soundtracks for the films Crooklyn, Mad Dog and Glory, A Little Sex, Twilight, and Snake Eyes.
• Singled out by CD Review magazine for her solo performance on the motion picture soundtrack of Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.
• A featured artist on jazz trumpeter John Faddis’ album, Remembrances, which was nominated for a Grammy Award.
• Appeared with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts and his quintet.

Click here to purchase CDs featuring Blair’s performances.