CHARLES HAMMAN
Oboe

Charles "Chip" Hamann, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost oboists. In 1993 he was appointed Acting Principal Oboe of Ottawa’s National Arts Centre Orchestra at the age of 22, and after having served for two seasons in that role, was chosen to become Principal Oboe of the orchestra on a permanent basis.

Mr. Hamann studied at Interlochen’s National Music Camp, the Interlochen Arts Academy and the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. He was awarded a Bachelor of Music and the prestigious Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School in 1993, immediately prior to his appointment with NACO. His principal teachers have included William McMullen, Daniel Stolper and Richard Killmer, and he has been deeply influenced by the teaching and workshops of John Ferrillo. 

A passionate and dedicated teacher, he is a member of the Faculty of Music at the University of Ottawa and the National Arts Centre’s Summer Music Institute. In recent seasons he has presented masterclasses and clinics throughout Canada, the United States and Mexico. 

An avid chamber musician, Chip has toured throughout Canada and in the United States with the National Arts Centre Wind Quintet. The members of the quintet will record the chamber music of Camille Saint-Saëns for Naxos in June 2008, including the Oboe Sonata, with pianist Stephane Lemelin.

Mr. Hamann participated in many summer music festivals, including the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, the Utah Music Festival, the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and annually at the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.

Charles Hamann has appeared as soloist with the Lincoln Symphony, Ottawa’s Thirteen Strings, Les Violons du Roy of Quebec City, and in numerous engagements with the National Arts Centre Orchestra. With NACO he has played concertos of Bach (double concerto with Pinchas Zukerman, violin), Marcello, Mozart, Vaughan-Williams and Strauss.  

Mr. Hamann was honoured to join the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as guest principal oboe on short notice in January 2008 for the orchestra’s USA tour.