Ruth Davies - Oboe

Ruth davies joined the Phil in 1994 and plays Principal Oboe number two in the Orchestra

Q. How long have you been with the RLPO?
A. Since March 1994

Q. What was your earliest musical experience?
A. Visiting my Mum's relations - they had a piano and I remember "composing" (ie bashing away on it) - I was about 4

Q. Do you play any other instruments?
A. I used to be not too bad at the piano - I still have a go at a few pieces for my own amusement

Q. If you could play a different instrument, which one would it be?
A. Accordion - without a doubt.  My husband bought me one a few years ago but I don't practice! 

Q. What would you most like to do if you weren’t a musician?
A. Anything with food - perhaps work in an old fashioned bakery or cafe - serving coffees and cakes

Q. If you could take a recording of one piece of music to a desert island, what would it be?
A. Mozart Mass in C Minor with Barbara Bonney and Arleen Auger

Q. Which piece of music do you most enjoy playing?
A. I love playing Baroque and Classical music with small groups - something like Mozart Quintet for Piano and Wind.  In the Orchestra I love playing Brahms (my favourite Symphony is Brahms 3)

Q. Which personality (historical, musical or otherwise – living or dead!) would you most like to share a bottle of wine with?
A. Ella Fitzgerald

Q. Where’s your favourite place to eat/drink in Liverpool?
A. Sapporo - I adore Japenese food - especially sushi and sashimi

Q. What do you do to relax in your free time?
A. I like to cook and drink wine or my homemade sloe gin

Q. Where’s your favourite holiday destination?
A. The Whitsunday Islands (I've just got back from holiday there)