Rachael Clegg is one of Britain’s busiest freelance oboists and enjoys a varied performing career alongside her teaching commitments.
Born in Lancashire, Rachael has based herself in the north of England after completing her studies at the Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester. Rachael realised her deep love of chamber music by forming an Oboe Trio whilst still a student. Besides performances at the Purcell Room in London, they appeared frequently throughout the UK and were active in commissioning new works for the genre by composers including James MacMillan. In recital, she has performed with the pianist, Kathryn Stott.
Since 1999, Rachael has held the position of Principal Oboe with Manchester Camerata. During this time, the Camerata have recorded the complete cycle of Beethoven Symphonies to great critical acclaim. In addition, Rachael has been a frequent soloist with the orchestra, performing concertos by Mozart and Vaughan Williams amongst others. She was the Cor Anglais soloist at The Bridgewater Hall performing Autumn Legend by Alwyn under the baton of Douglas Boyd. In summer 2014 she will perform the Strauss oboe concerto with Manchester Camerata.
During recent seasons, Rachael has been invited to perform as Principal Oboe with the London Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra and most recently with the Budapest Festival Orchestra and has toured with the John Wilson Orchestra.
Rachael has taught oboe at Chetham’s School of music for the last twenty years. She lives in Manchester with her husband, who is principal double bass in the Hallé Orchestra, and her two sons.
