Leslie Bleess

Connecticut native Kate Wegener moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School where she received a master’s degree in oboe performance. At the age of 22, she then joined the Minnesota Orchestra as associate principal oboist in December of 2023.

Wegener spends her days attending rehearsals and spending multiple hours a day making her own oboe reeds. Recently, she spent extra time preparing and practicing for a solo performance of Dvořák's New World Symphony which was conducted by accomplished Bulgarian-born conductor and violinist Delyana Lazarova on December 4 and 5, 2025.