Toyin Spellman-Diaz

Toyin Spellman-Diaz is an American oboist. She grew up in Washington, D.C. where she found a love for classical music through her parents' immense record collection. Spellman-Diaz is known for her significant solo work and orchestra career, as well as her career in chamber music with the group Imani Winds. Spellman-Diaz is active in working to diversify the classical music world especially in the wind quintet and orchestral space.

Early life and education

Spellman-Diaz grew up in Washington, DC. She attended Oberlin Conservatory of music where she attained a Bachelors of Music. She additionally attended Manhattan School of Music where she earned both a Masters Degree and a Professional Studies Degree.

Solo career

Spellman-Diaz has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Chicago Civic Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, American Symphony Orchestra, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St. Lukes. In addition, Spellman-Diaz has been a soloist with the Chicago Civic Orchestra, Manhattan Virtuosi, as well as with the Kennedy Center Youth Orchestra.

Achievements

Grammy for Best Classical Compendium, Imani Winds, Passion For Bach And Coltrane
Soloist, Chicago Civic Orchestra
Soloist, Manhattan Virtuosi
Soloist, Kennedy Center Youth Orchestra

Imani Winds

Spellman-Diaz has been a member of the Imani Winds since its founding in 1997. The Imani Winds are an American wind quartet based in New York. The group has three Grammy Award nominations and one win. The group is dedicated to diversifying the wind quintet through representation in players and composers. The group has commissioned many pieces by composers chosen for their unique life experience that lend themself to composing on historical and contemporary societal conditions.