Oliver Talukder on Building Community Through Music
Mexican Bengali oboist Oliver Talukder (’24) is passionate about cultivating diversity. An oboist with Opera Philadelphia Orchestra and teaching artist with Philadelphia Lullaby Project—a program that pairs musicians with caregivers to create lullabies—Talukder melds his artistry with a deep commitment to community, using music to foster connection across cultures.
This summer, the recent alum completed a major milestone of his career: Performing with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 17 weeks as its substitute second oboist, an achievement he calls “a dream come true.”
Talukder’s Young Alumni Fund-funded oboe gauger, a specialized machine used in reed making, continues to help him advance his craft. Funded as part of the 2026 grant cycle, the gauger significantly reduces time needed for reed making while boosting quality, freeing up valuable time for practice and performance.
Read on to learn more about Oliver’s career and artistic vision—as well as his debut album Briefly Gorgeous, slated for release on September 4, 2026.
You recently worked with Baltimore Symphony Orchestra as its substitute second oboist. From a career perspective, what was most impactful about this experience for you?
Playing with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra has been a dream come true. In the past months, I’ve been challenged to prepare a new program each week at the highest artistic standard. The most impactful experience is having the privilege to sit next to the stellar musicians of the BSO, particularly Katherine Needleman (’99), one of my former teachers at Curtis. She exemplifies all the lessons and advice she gave me during my time at Curtis, and I consider it a continuation of my studies with her. My skills as an oboist and orchestral musician have grown exponentially by working hard to keep up with the precision and consistency of the BSO.
You’re also a teaching artist with the Philadelphia Lullaby Project. How does your work with them connect to your vision as an artist-citizen?
The Philadelphia Lullaby Project has been one of my favorite programs I’ve been a part of. Being able to co-write custom lullabies with caregivers for their little ones has allowed me to foster creativity and build community, impacting families positively through the power of music.
In our current political climate, the act of creating and sharing art becomes a form of resistance. Helping someone write a song, especially someone who’s been made to feel unsafe, is a way of affirming their humanity. Using my musical and personal skills to facilitate that within my community in Philadelphia is deeply fulfilling.
As a musician of Mexican and Bengali heritage, you bring a distinctive cultural perspective to your artistry. In what ways has your background influenced your community engagement and performing career so far?
My upbringing taught me to embrace diversity, allowing me to blossom as a versatile and open-minded musician. I grew up listening to boleros, salsas, Bollywood movie soundtracks, jazz, and symphonies. I believe having those sounds in my ears as a kid has given me a unique palette of expressive tools to integrate into my performances.
As a Spanish speaker, I’m able to connect with the Latino communities I serve through the Lullaby Project in the language they feel most comfortable in. Coming from a family of immigrants, I understand the resilience it takes to build a life in a place that doesn’t always welcome you, and I strive to create a safe space for these families to let their guard down and be themselves.
What are you most excited about next—as a teacher, performer, and artist-citizen?
I am most excited for the release of my debut album with Cedille Records, Briefly Gorgeous, which comes out on September 4, 2026. Briefly Gorgeous is centered around themes of identity, love, and family, paying tribute to my parents and the unique blend of cultures that have shaped me. It explores the intersections of classical music with Mexican, South Asian, and Chicagoan cultural elements, creating a vibrant tapestry that reflects my personal story.
You’ll hear my musical expression not only on the oboe, but also on English horn, flute, piccolo, and my singing voice! I hope this album will inspire others from diverse backgrounds to find their place in this art form.
The Daniel W. Dietrich II Young Alumni Fund is an annual grant program dedicated to supporting young alumni of Curtis. These grants—ranging from $1,000 to $10,000—are part of Curtis’ ongoing efforts to strengthen support for alumni in the years that follow graduation and help young alumni who may be experiencing obstacles of any kind in the pursuit of their musical careers. Learn more.
