I recently found myself reflecting on a constant theme in my life – that of teaching the oboe and especially within the conservatoire sector. It is remarkable to think that I was appointed to teach the Oboe at the Royal Academy of Music in April 1984 and thus can look back on 40 years in
On 31 August, Robin Ireland put on a wonderful concert in St Andrew’s Church in Sheffield to celebrate his 70th birthday. Involving many friends and colleagues from his days in the Lindsay Quartet, from his work at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and his long career as a chamber musician, the concert included a great mix works
This year’s York Wind Chamber Music course at the University of York from 4 – 10 August proved to be another most enjoyable week. Under the guidance of Course Directors, Richard Ingham and Suzie Palmer, another remarkable group of musicians gathered to take on the sheer pace of events – a minimum of three sessions
I am looking forward to the next Members’ meeting of the Royal Society of Musicians on Friday 2 August. The Society is now holding six meetings for members each year in the beautiful Handel Room at 26 Fitzroy Square. These meetings welcome new members and bring members and Governors together to share information about the
I am looking forward to our concert with the Caird Oboe Quartet in the Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Wedensday 19 June. This will be part of the Assembly Rooms new partnership with the Ludlow Music Society which has promoted chamber music in Ludlow for more than 30 years. Having already played for the Society some
It has been a busy spring for the Royal Society of Musicians. In May, we were delighted and honoured that His Majesty The King has accepted the Patronage of the RSM, continuing his association with us following his visit to open our building in Fitzroy Square in 2018. This announcement also continues our long history
It was such a treat to attend the celebrations for Sir Neville Marriner’s Centenary from 15 April. Brilliantly devised by his family and by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, this week-long ‘festival’ was a remarkable tribute to Neville, his achievements and his legacy. I attended two of the three concerts that week,
I am very much looking forward to my concert this year with the Radcliffe Orchestra which will take place in the Tingewick Hall at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford on Saturday, 9 March at 7.30pm. The programme will begin with Weber’s Overture to Der Freischütz, a brilliant opener to introduce Grieg’s Piano Concerto featuring pianist
I have been a member of the Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain since 1996 and have been proud to be a part of the UK’s oldest music charity over the years. It is a remarkable organisation that provides vital financial assistance, advice and guidance to those professionally active in the wrold of music
I was so pleased to be asked by Michael Bochmann to play a recital for his Lenthall Concerts series in Burford. The recital on 11 October, proved to be a most rewarding project in combining a full programme with pianist Charles Matthews and a workshop and performance by the Grendilla Double Reed Ensemble directed by