Josh Webster, born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, discovered his passion for the oboe at the age of ten, captivated by its rich and distinctive tone. At eleven, he began learning from Martin Lee, former Principal Oboe and later Principal Cor Anglais of the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, who recognised Josh's natural talent and potential on the instrument.
At twelve, Josh won the top prize in the NZ Woodwind Competition for the intermediate age category. He went on to perform concertos with various ensembles, including the North Shore Youth Orchestra, Aotea Youth Symphony, Westlake Chamber Orchestra, Westlake Symphony Orchestra, and Auckland Youth Orchestra. His repertoire included pieces such as the Haydn Oboe Concerto, the Albinoni Oboe Concerto in D minor and the Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Oboes in D minor. He additionally won the under-18 award in the Auckland Youth Orchestra soloist competition.
Josh enjoyed success with numerous chamber music groups which competed in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest. His achievements in the competition included reaching the national finals and winning the KBB award for best woodwind performance with a rendition of the Malcolm Arnold Suite Bourgeoise and reaching the national semi-finals on Cor Anglais playing the Beethoven Oboe Trio in C major. While receiving tutelage from Martin Lee and Alison Jepson, Josh also had one-off lessons and masterclasses with Diana Doherty, Alexandre Oguey, Maurice Bourgue, Peter Dykes, Eve Newsome, Bede Hanley, and Camille White.
Josh completed his Bachelor of Music majoring on oboe at the University of Auckland in 2020 under the mentorship of Martin Lee and Robert Orr. He currently freelances with numerous professional and semi-professional orchestras in Auckland and across New Zealand, including playing with notable ensembles such as the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra, Hawkes Bay Orchestra, and Opus Orchestra.
In 2024, Josh will be undergoing his first year of training at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), under the tutelage of Jeffrey Crellin.
Photo by Pia Johnson