Mekhi Gladden

Philadelphia-based oboist and English-hornist Mekhi Gladden, a member of Imani Winds, is a recent graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music. Originally from Atlanta, they began their studies at age twelve and later entered the Talent Development Program under Emily Brebach. Gladden has performed with the Atlanta, Princeton, and Memphis Symphony Orchestras, and served as guest Principal with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Their competitive honors include First Prize in the Eric Varner Young Artist Competition, Audience Choice in the Virtual Oboe Competition, and winning the Jan and Beattie Wood Concerto Competition, resulting in a solo appearance with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. A dedicated advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Gladden has premiered several new works for solo oboe and various ensembles. They have served as faculty at the Composers Conference at Avaloch and are currently an Astral Artist, through which they perform community concerts. Additionally, Gladden explores experimental improvised music with People’s Music Supply. They have studied with renowned pedagogues including Richard Woodhams, Toyin Spellman-Diaz, and Philippe Tondre.