Oboist Will Stevens is currently based in Chicago, performing as a regular member with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He is also currently in the post-residency period of the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the Yale School of Music. His doctoral thesis explores an intercultural approach to analyzing and performing the work of Tōru Takemitsu, using timbre and gesture as a replacement for traditional Western modes of analysis. Beyond performing with Civic, Will has embraced his new home in Chicago by pursuing educational and contemporary music projects around the city. Through the NMI Arts Administration Fellowship, Will launched Prelude Project alongside composer Paul Novak and percussionist Alex Chao—an initiative which brings professionals to Chicago Public School band rooms to workshop and produce student compositions. He is also in the throes of a commissioning project, focused on generating new works for oboe which push the bounds of the instrument’s capabilities. Will has commissioned three works by fellow Yale composers Lily Koslow, Benjamin Webster, and Zihan Wu. The Chicago premieres of these works are coming soon. Recently, Will has performed with orchestras including the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, Elgin Symphony, and Peoria Symphony. An avid chamber musician, Will held a summer fellowship with the Bowdoin International Music Festival in 2024 and has also participated in other festivals including the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, and Kent Blossom Music Festival.