Jonathan Kelly began learning oboe at his local school and studied History at Cambridge University before devoting himself to music in postgraduate studies at the Royal Academy of Music, London with Celia Nicklin and then at the CNSM de Paris with Maurice Bourgue.

Immediately upon completing his studies, Jonathan was appointed solo oboist of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. He held this position for ten years, performing as soloist with CBSO on many occasions, and as a regular guest with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe.

In 2003 Jonathan realised his youthful dream of winning the position of solo oboist in the Berliner Philharmoniker. Since then he has performed as soloist and taught masterclasses all over the world. He is an active chamber musician both with his colleagues in the orchestra, for example in the Bläser der Berliner Philharmoniker, as well as with visiting international soloists. He participates regularly in the Zermatt Festival of the Scharoun Ensemble Berlin, and is a member of the world-renowned Ensemble Wien-Berlin. He has also performed as soloist on international tours with the Berliner Barock Solisten.

For many years Jonathan taught at the Hochschule für Musik Berlin ‘Hanns Eisler’ and at the Karajan Akademie of the Berliner Philharmoniker, where many of his students have won prestigious international competitions and positions with top orchestras. He is guest professor at the Royal Academy of Music London, of which he is a Fellow. In addition to this Jonathan enjoys participating as performer and teacher in the Pacific Music Festival in Japan.