Ari Cohen Mann (they/them) has been hailed as the “Jonathan Van Ness of the oboe” (CBC Music), proudly championing their queer identity and serving as a role model for LGBTQ youth. Based in Toronto, Ari is a dynamic recitalist, new music proponent, orchestral musician, and educator. Recognized on CBC’s 30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30, they are also a Howarth Artist, performing on a Howarth LXV-VT oboe.
Ari’s career includes performances as a concerto soloist with the National Academy Orchestra, PEI Symphony Orchestra, and Ontario Philharmonic. Ari has premiered works by composers such as Jocelyn Morlock, Nicky Sohn, Matthew Emery, and Felipe Téllez. Ari was a prizewinner at the Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal Manulife Competition and the winner of the Yamaha Young Performing Artists Competition. As a faculty member at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ari teaches oboe and coaches chamber music.