Born into a musical family in New Rochelle, New York, Margaret Helfer Herlehy  her formal training at the University of Michigan and Sarah Lawrence College where she remained as Artist in Residence for a five-year tenure.

She has studied and coached with world renowned artists including Lois Wann (Pittsburgh Symphony, Julliard School), Claus Adam (Julliard String Quartet), Arno Mariotti (Detroit Symphony), Chester Biscardi(Composer) and prolific 12 tone composer Meyer Kupferman.

 

While living in New York, she premiered several works for oboe at annual Carnegie Recital Hall performances., many of which were written for her. On relocating to New England in 1990, she joined the faculties of Phillips Exeter Academy and later, the University of New Hampshire. As a teacher and chamber music coach, Margaret's musical interests extend to include incorporating improvisational techniques into her performance and teaching curriculum. Ms. Herlehy is a sought after clinician and  has presented master classes and performance workshops at colleges and Music Festivals throughout the United States.

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In addition to her teaching, Margaret also enjoys an active performing career as a freelance artist in the Greater Boston Area.  Ms. Herlehy performs as principal oboist with the Hanover Chamber Orchestra, Symphony New Hampshire, Opera North and as Oboe/Oboe D’amore soloist with the White Mountain Bach Festival. She continues to be active in her pursuit of new works for oboe. In 2014/2015 Ms. Herlehy premiered “Untitled” for Oboe and Wind Symphony by Ryan Vigil,  “6 Works of Johannes Brahms” arranged for Oboe and Piano by Christopher Kies and “Quibble” by Frank Stemper.

 

Most recently, Margaret has produced and performed  Rosewood Café, a collection of South American music including choros and sambas collaboratively arranged and performed with Berklee School of Music Faculty.