Oboist Timothy Watts has Died

The British oboist was the Sub-Principal Oboe at the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The British oboist Timothy Watts, who was sub-principal oboe of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), has passed away from cancer.

Watts had been playing with the RPO since 2002, always in the sub-principal oboe chair. He was recently selected as a member of the orchestra that played for the coronation of King Charles III, and represented the RPO in this capacity.

Previously, Watts played in the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera and gave recitals for the Live Music Now scheme and the Manchester Midday concert series. He went on to become Principal Oboe with English Touring Opera and the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, of which he was a founder member.

In addition, Watts made many concerto appearances with the City of Oxford Orchestra at the Sheldonian Theatre.

Watts studied at the University of Cambridge and the Royal College of Music, where he won the Countess of Munster and Myra Hess awards — as well as the Joy Boughton Prize for oboe.

Our condolences to Watts' family, friends, and colleagues.