Lilian Curbelo
Captivated by the beautiful sound of the oboe, I started to play it at the age of 10 in Cuba, my homeland. There, I had the pleasure to be a member of the Orchestra of the Great Theater of Havana, performing with the National Ballet company and the National Opera Company.
Since moving to the Netherlands in 2020, I have dedicated myself to mastering oboe performance and the complex craft of reed making. Under the mentorship of Marc Schaeferdiek and Tom Owen at Maastricht Conservatorium, I honed my performance skills and focused intensely on the art of making oboe reeds. This journey ultimately led to the founding of Curbelo Reeds, where I specialize in creating customized oboe reeds tailored to each musician's unique needs.
With several years of experience as an orchestral musician, teacher, and chamber music performer—and more than a decade of making reeds—I understand the challenges that most oboe players face. My mission is to develop practical and up-to-date approaches to reed-making education. I am committed to empowering oboists by sharing my expertise through social media content and in-person workshops.
Though Curbelo Reeds is still in its early stages, having been established only a few years ago, my brand has quickly gained the trust of a large number of clients—both professionals and amateurs—seeking reeds that are reliable, comfortable, and supportive of their creative journey, ultimately maximizing their artistic development.
My role as an educator doesn't end with oboe reeds; I am also a Lecturer of Music Business and Entrepreneurship at Conservatorium Maastricht, and I teach oboe at the Kuma Muziekschool. As a freelancer, I collaborate with several ensembles and I’m a member of the Undique Wind Quintet.
