The West Australian Symphony Orchestra has appointed oboist Liz Chee as its new Principal Oboe, recognising her artistic leadership and long-standing contribution to the ensemble.

Chee’s association with WASO dates back to 2011, when she joined as a contract cor anglais player. She was appointed Associate Principal Oboe in 2014 and served as Acting Principal Oboe from 2016. Over that time, she has appeared as a soloist with the orchestra in works including the Albinoni Oboe Concerto, Haydn’s Sinfonia concertante and JS Bach’s Concerto in C minor for oboe and violin.

WASO Principal Oboe Liz Chee. Photo supplied

Chee credited WASO’s collaborative culture for shaping her development and paid tribute to her colleagues and Principal Conductor Asher Fisch for their guidance, describing her appointment as “a great honour and blessing”.

The Principal Oboe role is a key leadership position within the orchestra, responsible for shaping the sound and phrasing of the woodwind section, delivering prominent solo passages and providing the tuning note before rehearsals and performances.

WASO Chief Executive Paul Shannon said Chee had been “an integral part of WASO’s artistic life” for more than a decade, praising her as an exceptional musician and leader committed to the organisation’s vision.

Chee will next perform with WASO in Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony at Winthrop Hall, Perth, 10 & 11 April.