Mekhi Gladden

Mekhi Gladden is an oboist and changemaker whose work bridges the worlds of music and medicine. Originally from Atlanta, GA, and based in Philadelphia, they began studying oboe at 15 through the Talent Development Program, later earning degrees at the Curtis Institute of Music and Thomas Jefferson University. Gladden has performed with leading orchestras across the U.S., including the Atlanta Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, and Memphis Symphony. Committed to using music as a tool for connection and transformation, they have collaborated with Times Square Arts, Astral Artists, the People’s Music Supply, Sugar Hill Salon, and the Composers Conference at Avaloch. Beyond the stage, Gladden is a nationally certified pharmacy technician and vaccinator, working to expand access to medications, vaccines, and health literacy. Their dual commitment to care and creativity fuels a unique and deeply human artistic voice.