DAVID WEISS
 David Weiss is Professor of Oboe and Woodwind Chamber Music at the USC Thornton School of Music, and the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA. For thirty years he was Principal Oboe of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1973-2003). During most of that time he was also the orchestra's official photographer. His first of dozens of solo performances with them was in 1962 when he was 15 years old. Between 1965 and 1973 he held first chair positions with the National Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Metropolitan Opera National Company, and the West Point Band.
     
He has recorded numerous symphonic works with such reknowned conductors as Bernstein, Dorati, Giulini, Leinsdorf, Mehta, Previn, and Salonen, and has played on the soundtracks of over 80 motion pictures. Recently, he has taken up the baton as guest conductor for performances with the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony, the Beverly Hills International Chamber Music Festival, and as rehearsal conductor for other groups. David and his wife, pianist Alpha Hockett Walker (together known as "DnA"), perform recitals regularly in the U.S. and abroad. An alum of the Young Musicians Foundation Debut Orchestra, David has served for many years as their Music Advisory Board Chairman. Mr. Weiss's multi-faceted career includes his being an internationally recognized master of the musical saw.