Daniel Bates

Principal Oboe

On CLS career to date

I had never played with the Orchestra before I applied for the job. Of course, I had heard about their good reputation and that they play a lot with singers and in opera, which is something that I particularly enjoy, so I was really hoping that I'd at least get to play with them on trial a few times. My last patch of work before being offered the position was a run of The Beggars Opera at the Linbury Studio, which I absolutely loved. I was so thrilled when I got the call from Barry offering me the position that I couldn't stop jumping up and down!


On most memorable concert

My favourite concert with the Orchestra, and one of my absolute favourites of my career so far was at the Brighton Festival. It was an all English programme under Richard Hickox (unfortunately the only time I worked with him and CLS, although I had worked with him in different orchestras). The highlight of the night for me was a performance of Riders to the Sea by Vaughan Williams. I just loved it and it was the first time I'd worked with the other wind principals. I remember thinking - "this is where I really want to be.” Just a brilliant piece and an unforgettable experience for me.

 

On relaxation

Although I went to Purcell Music School and The Royal Academy of Music, before playing the oboe seriously, I was a professional actor and was on TV a few times - in Casualty and some comedy stuff, and also in the West End with Kristin Scott Thomas and Eric Sykes. I loved it but always missed playing so it was almost inevitable that I'd get back to it at some point. I ran the London Marathon last year and enjoy trying to keep vaguely healthy (really important for being a wind player!). I also enjoy learning languages - I'm still plugging away at Spanish and hope to brush up my French soon. Helen McQueen, our fantastic second oboe, is fluent in French and is always reading something incredibly impressive in French, so I look forward to the days when we can discuss Proust in the breaks!

 

My Desert Island Discs

Der Rosenkavalier is my absolute number one favourite. I've never played it and constantly live in hope that one day I will. It's very cheesy but I even have a tattoo of the silver rose on my back (I had it done while I was a teenager - not something I'd consider doing now!). I'm also a total Wagner nut, so Tristan and Meistersinger would have to be up there too. I'm also a massive fan of Stevie Wonder!