Originally from Wisconsin, Kathy studied at the University of Wisconsin, the New England Conservatory of Music, and the Royal Conservatory of Music in The Hague, Netherlands. In Boston she was an active performer in contemporary classical, jazz, ethnic and third stream ensembles as well as classical orchestras and chamber music. In 1995, Kathy moved to the Netherlands, where she studied with Dutch oboist Bart Schneemann and she performed with the Netherlands Wind Ensemble, the Rotterdam Philharmonic, the Amsterdam Bach Soloists, Calefax Reed Quintet, the Netherlands Opera, Ballet, Symphony and Radio Orchestras, Het Nieuw Ensemble and the Stravinsky Ensemble.

"Familiar melodies ...delivered gracefully, with gorgeous oboe support from  Kathy Halvorson"—Boston Globe

One of a handful of oboists...

A flair for improvisation has singled Kathy out as one of a handful of oboists worldwide with a truly unique voice. Kathy has worked with the Mingus Epitaph, George Russell Big Band, Ken Schaphorst Big Band, Jazz Composers Alliance, Bjork, Celtic Music artist Aine Minogue, jazz bassoonist Michael Rabinowitz, Martha Redbone, and Andra Borlo.Kathy has appeared as soloist with the Stravinsky Ensemble in Amsterdam, Boston's Indian Hill Symphony Orchestra, and with Alea III in Athens and Boston.

 An international artist...

Now residing in New York City, Kathy has performed with the Sedna Winds, Opera Orchestra of New York, Brooklyn Philharmonic, SEM Ensemble, The Bronx Opera, and with pianist Francine Kay. She is Principal Oboe in the Cork Opera in Ireland, and has recorded for the Naxos label as Principal Oboe with the Toronto Camerata. She is also a member of the Network Winds in Toronto.

Has recorded in several music styles...

From Handel to Vanhal, or Gunther Schuller to Bjork, Kathy has performed and recorded with many great composers and artists around the globe.

"No praise is sufficient for the oboe playing of Kathy Halvorson"

Richard Dyer, Boston Globe