Izotov was born in Russia in 1973 and studied at Boston University School of Fine Arts. He has been a prize winner in several major competitions, receiving first prize at the 2001 Fernand Gillet International Solo Oboe Competition. He is a member of Juilliard's wind faculty.
He replaces Alex Klein, who stepped down in 2004 because he was suffering from focal dystonia, the same neurological disorder that robbed pianist Leon Fleisher of the use of his right hand for many years.
The CSO also announced that Susanna Drake will take up the position of assistant/utility horn on January 23. Drake is a freelancer with orchestras including the San Francisco Symphony, and has also held positions with the San Diego Symphony and the New World Symphony.
A Boston native, Drake studied at the New England Conservatory of Music.