“Bhavani Kotha shines…she takes listeners on a musical journey that is both exciting and calming, and it is a joy to become absorbed in her playing. Her mastery of the oboe in all registers is noteworthy.” --The Instrumentalist

Based in Seattle, WA, Bhavani performs with orchestras throughout the region. Recently, she performed with the Seattle Symphony as substitute Principal Oboist. Additional orchestra engagements include the Fifth Avenue Theatre, Auburn Symphony, Oregon Symphony, Eugene Symphony, and North Corner Chamber Orchestra (NOCCO).

As soloist, she has appeared with Seattle Festival Orchestra, North Corner Chamber Orchestra, and Hart House Orchestra. She toured with the Strauss Oboe Concerto in Germany with Hart House Orchestra. Another career highlight was performing two recitals on King FM’s Northwest Focus Live show. In 2019, she was selected as a winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists competition.

Bhavani Kotha is a strong advocate for empowering women in classical music. She is the Founder & President of Unbound Symphony, an organization that brings together her many interests including music, nonprofit work, and supporting women artists. Her dream is to see the next generation of musicians have more equitable performing opportunities without barriers. Her experiences both as an oboist and working in the nonprofit industry have inspired her to take on a leadership role and help create the change she desires, together with an incredible team.

Her album “Bhavani’s Oboe” featuring 20th century works has drawn attention from far and wide. “We may gasp at the virtuosity displayed...Bhavani Kotha is a phenomenal oboist, able to make her instrument purrr like a clarinet or ring out brazenly like a trumpet...Phenominal playing --James H. North, Fanfare

Bhavani enjoys playing children’s concerts with Erika and the Wolf and coaching students at the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras. Her nonprofit work includes staff roles at Mary’s Place, Coyote Central, and Shunpike. Bhavani holds degrees from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and the University of Washington.

photos by Monica Liang-Aguirre & Suresh Kotha