Toyin Spellman-Diaz is an American oboist. She grew up in Washington, D.C. where she found a love for classical music through her parents immense record collection.[1] Spellman-Diaz is known for her significant solo work and orchestra career, as well as her career in chamber music with the group Imani Winds.[1] Spellman-Diaz is active in working to diversify the classical music world especially in the wind quintet and orchestral space.[2]

Early life and education

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Spellman-Diaz grew up in Washington, DC.[1] She attended Oberlin Conservatory of music where she attained a Bachelors of Music. She additionally attended Manhattan School of Music where she earned both a Masters Degree and a Professional Studies Degree.[1]

Solo career

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Spellman-Diaz has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Lukes.[3] In addition, Spellman-Diaz has been a soloist with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Manhattan Virtuosi, as well as with the Kennedy Center Youth Orchestra.[1]

Achievements

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  • Grammy for Best Classical Compendium, Imani Winds, Passion For Bach And Coltrane[4]
  • Soloist, Chicago Civic Orchestra[1]
  • Soloist, Manhattan Virtuosi[1]
  • Soloist, Kennedy Center Youth Orchestra[1]

Imani Winds

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Spellman-Diaz has been a member of the Imani Winds since its founding in 1997.[5] The Imani Winds are an American wind quartet based in New York.[6] The group has three Grammy Award nominations and one win.[6] The group is dedicated to diversifying the wind quintet through representation in players and composers.[2] The group has commissioned many pieces by composers chosen for their unique life experience that lend themself to composing on historical and contemporary societal conditions.[6]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Toyin Spellman-Diaz | Mannes School of Music". www.newschool.edu. Retrieved 2024-03-28.
  2. ^ a b DeLorenzo, Lisa C. (2012). "Missing Faces from the Orchestra". Music Educators Journal. 98 (4): 39–46. doi:10.1177/0027432112443263. ISSN 0027-4321.
  3. ^ "Toyin Spellman-Diaz – CMA 2024 National Conference". Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  4. ^ "Imani Winds | Artist | GRAMMY.com". grammy.com. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  5. ^ Westbrook, Perer (December 2008). "Valerie Coleman: Revitalizing the Woodwind Quintet" (PDF). The New York Flute Club Newsletter.
  6. ^ a b c "About". Imani Winds. Retrieved 2024-04-13.