Louise performs with Orchestra of the Swan where she is co-principal oboe, and with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra da Camera as a freelance player. Her music activities also include teaching and administration: planning and writing education projects for Orchestra of the Swan, for whom she is Education Manager.

 

Louise read for a mixed academic and performance degree in Music at Huddersfield Polytechnic, receiving the faculty award for Outstanding Achievement in her final year. She completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Performance at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1995. Her principal oboe tutors were Val Taylor and Hugh McKenna.

 

A broad training and previous civil service employment led to a variety of opportunities for freelance concert management and administration, including projects for Bath Philharmonia and the Amadeus Orchestra, with whom she has also appeared as a soloist.

 

Prior to the arrival of her daughter, Louise was the orchestra librarian and music assistant at Birmingham Royal Ballet, working with Music Director Barry Wordsworth and colleagues at the Royal Opera House.  She left BRB rather suddenly during the Queen’s visit to the Hippodrome for the Royal Variety Performance in late November 1999, moving immediately to the maternity unit.

 

When she can get away for a few hours, Louise enjoys motorcycling on the new Triumph Bonneville. When she can’t, a sudoku and cup of tea is the next best thing for some relaxation.