Donna Conaty, M.M.

Bio

Donna Conaty earned a B.M. and B.M.E. from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree from Yale University. Conaty served as faculty member at Ohio University from 1989-2007, eventually earning the faculty rank of professor and serving in a variety of leadership roles. In 2007 Conaty came to SDSU’s School of Music and Dance as Director, a post she held for many years before serving as Associate Dean and Interim Dean for the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts until her retirement.

As an oboist, Conaty’s artistic interests are championing new works and performing in chamber music settings. Conaty has served as principal oboe of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra since 1993. Her additional performance credits include: the San Diego Symphony; the California Chamber Orchestra; seven seasons in the Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music Orchestra under the direction of Marin Alsop; the Columbus Symphony; principal oboe of the Lancaster Festival Orchestra; Artist Fellow in the Bach Aria Festival, NY, NY; the Spoleto Festival Orchestra; principal oboe of the Evansville Philharmonic; and principal oboe of the Breckenridge Music Festival Orchestra. Conaty has performed as a recitalist or presented masterclasses in numerous settings and many of her former oboe students are active as leading performers, university faculty, teachers, and arts professionals throughout the U.S. and abroad. After retiring from SDSU, Conaty and her husband relocated to Santa Cruz, California.

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