Hugo Souza is the principal oboist of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, a role he officially assumed in the 2021–22 season after serving as acting principal for two years. An active soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral performer, he has appeared with renowned ensembles including the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Ensemble Pentaèdre, and the American Symphony Orchestra at the Bard Music Festival. He has also performed at Music@Menlo and with the Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra. Originally from Natal, Brazil, Hugo began playing oboe at fourteen and holds degrees from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte and SUNY Purchase, where he studied with Bert Lucarelli. He is currently a doctoral candidate at the Eastman School of Music. A dedicated educator, Hugo serves on the faculty at Capital University’s Conservatory of Music and actively mentors young musicians through the Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra.