..... is acknowledged as one of Britain's most accomplished oboists. He studied at the Royal College of Music, London, and subsequently won scholarships to study with two of the century's greatest oboists, Terence MacDonagh and the legendary Heinz Holliger.

Christopher O'Neal dedicates much of his time to chamber music and is a founder member of Capricorn and more recently the highly acclaimed Fibonacci Sequence, as well as the award winning Elysian Wind Quintet

He has performed as soloist in many countries throughout Europe and the USA, has broadcast world-wide and made many solo and chamber recordings. He gave the premiere of Dominic Muldowney's Oboe Concerto in its new version for chamber orchestra in October 1997, and future engagements this season include a tour of Turkey playing Nicholas Maw's "Little Concert", and of Italy playing the Strauss Concerto

He is keen to encourage young musicians, and takes a leading role in instrumental and chamber music coaching at the Universities of York and Kingston.

He is a keen traveller, skier, cook and bridge-player

Born 22 March 1953 into a large musical family, Christopher was immersed in music from a very early age. He started the oboe at the age of ten, and it was not long before he joined in his parents' frequent chamber music evenings with friends. His first teacher was Raina East who instilled a forthright approach to music making. He later went on to take lessons with Terence MacDonagh for the two year period prior to attending the RCM.

Whilst at the Royal College of Music, Christopher gave performances of concertos by Martinu, Richard Rodney Bennett, Mozart, Bach and David Sutton (the world premiere of his Royal Philharmonic Award-winning concerto). He took further instruction with Edwin Roxburgh who fired a keen interest in contemporary music.

His performances have always inspired praise from the critics:

......the admirable oboe playing of Christopher O'Neal........The Guardian (London)
......an outstanding musician........The Financial Times (London)
.......confidence and sense of style, together with his command of colour and articulation........The Daily Telegraph (London)
........superb mastery of his instrument.......Croydon Advertiser (UK)
.......Capricorn's admirable soloist.......(The Financial Times (London)
........superbly executed by Christopher O'Neal.......The Guardian (London)