Murray Johnston - Oboe
Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera

Murray Johnston was educated at Perth Academy and Gordonstoun School, before undertaking studies at Barcelona University, and The Royal Manchester College of Music, where he studied the oboe under Valerie Taylor, Thomas Ratter and Heinz Holliger.

Murray joined the orchestra of the Royal Ballet as principal oboe in 1970, before taking up the position of principal oboe with the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera in 1974. Some thrity years later and together with David Probert, they have achieved the longest serving oboe section in British orchestral history.


Murray ( or Sandy as he is known to all and sundry ) has performed the Richard Strauss oboe with the orchestra of the Welsh National Opera, as well as Handels Concerto in G. Murray is also a performer with the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, where he has performed  concerti by Vaughan Williams, Strauss and Martinu. In April 2005, he will perform the Salieri concerto for flute and oboe, together with soloist Jonathon Burgess.

Murray is a long serving member of the 'Les Croupiers' running club in Cardiff, and has represented Wales at cross country running. He has also completed over 40 marathons ! His other hobbies include gardening, The Times crossword, and the consumption of fine wines ! Murray is married to the singer Helen Field, and following the musical tradition, his daughter is an ever improving oboe player. Murray also teaches at both the Welsh College of Music and Drama, and at Cardiff University.