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Eileen Whalen, oboist, has been hailed by the New York Times on multiple occasions for her “beautiful playing” and “considerable virtuosity." Bachtrack applauds her “expressive rich-toned solo lines" and Opera Today has praised her solos as “exquisite." She is currently the principal oboist of Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Opera and Glimmerglass Festival. She has been principal oboist of Honolulu Symphony, Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and she has performed with the New Jersey, Colorado, Columbus, Cincinnati and Jacksonville Symphonies among others. Eileen Whalen has distinguished herself in solo performances and international competitions. When competing in the prestigious Gillet International Oboe Competition, she was the only American finalist.

Ms. Whalen has performed on an Emmy-nominated PBS Great Performance broadcast, has recorded for Chandos Records and can be heard on NPR's World of Opera and WDPR’s Live and Local. She is featured on the albums "E O Mai" and "Kamalei: Collection-Two" by renowned Hawaiian recording artist Keali'i Reichel, as well as on the movie soundtrack for Mr. Holland's Opus and Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra recordings. Ms. Whalen is on the faculty of the University of Dayton. Other educational activities include performing with the Dayton Philharmonic Woodwind Quintet. Ms. Whalen received a Masters of Fine Arts from California Institute of the Arts, a Bachelor of Music at the University of Cincinnati and did additional coursework at Rice University. Eileen Whalen studied with Allan Vogel, Sara Bloom, Peggy Pearson and Robert Atherholt.

Oboe at the University of Dayton