Christopher Redgate

Christopher Redgate explores the oboe’s potential by researching extended techniques and virtuoso approaches to performance, often in collaboration with composers

Christopher studied at Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music. He has won several prizes in international competitions, worked in many contemporary music ensembles, and performs extensively as a soloist and chamber musician. He has commissioned many new works for oboe.

Christopher’s current research explores the production of multiphonics on the oboe and seeks to address the many questions and problems surrounding their use. Built upon 45 years of performing experience, this research has led to further development of several aspects of oboe technique. Christopher’s approach is multidisciplinary and involves the expertise of specialists in the fields of acoustics and mathematical modelling. His research aims to generate an in-depth understanding of the way in which multiphonics function on the oboe alongside a considerable online database of fingerings and related materials.

He has performed with many ensembles including Quatuor Diotima, Cikada Ensemble, Ensemble Exposé, Ensemble Modern, the Arditti Quartet and Apartment House, in performances that often include electronics, AI and improvisation. As a soloist, many composers have written for him including Michael Finnissy, Brian Ferneyhough, Roger Redgate, David Gorton, Richard Barrett, Sam Hayden, Edwin Roxburgh, Christopher Fox, and Paul Archbold. Christopher works in close collaboration with composers, as the synergy enables him to further explore the possibilities of the instrument. Christopher is the inventor of the Howarth-Redgate system oboe, developed through an Arts and Humanities Research Council Fellowship in the Creative and Performing Arts (2009-2012) held at the Academy.

Christopher lectures, leads masterclasses and contributes journal articles and chapters in multi-authored books. From 1986-1992 he was the oboe tutor at the Darmstädter Ferienkurse Für Neue Musik. His recordings can be found on the Oboe Classics label, Metier/Divine Art label and NMC.

Photo credit: Sarah Creswell