Oboist Oliver Talukder wins Cedille’s Emerging Artist Competition

On Sunday, May 18, Chicago-raised oboist Oliver Talukder was named the winner of Cedille Records’ 2025 Emerging Artist Competition, sponsored by the Zell Family Foundation. As his main prize, Oliver will make his debut recording with Cedille Records — an all-expenses-paid opportunity to realize his artistic vision and gain a significant career boost.

The competition showcased a diverse group of seven semifinalists, all with strong ties to Chicago. Alongside Talukder, the semifinalists included violinists Esme Arias-Kim and Rabia Brooke, and pianists Boris Krivoshein, Tamila Salimdjanova, Wenting Shi, and Seho Young. These early-career musicians brought a rich array of artistic voices to the stage, demonstrating the vibrant talent nurtured in the Chicago area.

Cedille Records is uniquely dedicated to empowering Chicago’s classical artists by fully funding the recording, production, and promotion of their work. This artist-centered model allows musicians to bring their creative visions to life without financial barriers. Cedille’s mission is made possible by the generosity of classical music lovers who donate to ensure that these extraordinary artists — and the music they create — reach the audiences they deserve.

Talukder’s musical journey began at age 10 in the Chicago suburbs, and he credits programs like the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, People’s Music School, and Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative with shaping his path. He has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, and Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra of the USA. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Talukder studied under Katherine Needleman, Philippe Tondre, and Richard Woodhams, and now serves as Second Oboist in the Opera Philadelphia Orchestra.

Oliver’s debut album, a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, will be a deeply personal project reflecting his multicultural heritage and musical roots in Chicago. His plan for the album is to feature works by Mexican, South Asian, and Chicago-based composers, serving as an homage to his parents’ love story and the city where they met.

Oliver joined us to perform at Soirée Cedille, Cedille’s annual benefit, on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Venue SIX10. His debut album is planned for release in 2026.