Oboist Ursula Sahagian (b. 1990) is dedicated to realizing the works of living composers. In ensembles and as a soloist, she has premiered over twenty-five works, commissioned works by composers Viet Cuong and Tyler Kline, and is looking forward to premiering new works by Phil Salathé and Isaac Schankler in the future. Ursula has performed with contemporary music ensembles and orchestras throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Olympia Symphony, Orchestra Bellevue, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, Seattle Modern Orchestra, Seattle Rock Orchestra, The Sound Ensemble, and Symphony Tacoma. She has also given multiple solo and chamber recitals on Nonsequitur's Wayward Music Series, which features innovative composed and improvised music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she performed virtually with members of The Head and the Heart for the Seattle Rock Orchestra Mother’s Day Virtual Concert, and participated in composer Matthew Kennedy’s Miniatures for One project.
Ursula graduated from the Peabody Conservatory in 2012 with degrees in oboe performance and music education. She studied oboe with Jane Marvine, and participated in master classes led by Kathy Greenbank, Katherine Needleman, and Liang Wang. While a student, Ursula performed on Peabody’s Thursday Noon Recital Series, and was part of the US professional premiere of De Materie, by Louis Andriessen, with the D.C.-based Great Noise Ensemble. She can also be heard as co-principal oboe on the Peabody Wind Ensemble’s 2013 recording of the wind symphonies of Johan de Meij, on the Naxos label. Ursula also worked as an intern on the Evolution Contemporary Music Series, and studied composition with Evolution Series founder Dr. Judah Adashi.
Ursula also has a great depth of experience in education and community outreach. She is an elementary music teacher and teacher leader in the Renton School District, and previously worked as a Teaching Artist with the Seattle Symphony, a composition teacher with the Junior Bach program, Education Coordinator for Seattle Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra, a site coordinator with the Creative Access Outreach program, and a section coach with the Peabody Youth Orchestra.
Ursula has also been painting watercolors since July 2018, and began painting with oils the following month. She is a member of Emerald City Art Club, and has had works in a show at A/NT Gallery in Seattle Center.
When she's not teaching, playing oboe, or painting, Ursula enjoys singing, dancing, and playing tabletop games.
Photo by Dawndra Budd