So, I kept playing the recorder until the age of ten, then got a bit bored of it. It was time to try something else. I only chose the oboe because it looked really cool with all the silver keys! I knew absolutely nothing about it apart from its look. Just to be sure of my choice, my dad got me some oboe recordings and I loved them.

So, off I was sent to the Conservatoire de Musique de Quebec (I'm actually French-Canadian and not French, no offence to French people) for the rest of my teenage years. After that, I continued my studies in the Netherlands, Rotterdam and in Karlsruhe in Germany.

Funnily enough, my very first orchestra trial was with the Hallé in the early '90s, although I didn't get the position at the time. I never thought I would be back here ten years later. Before I came back to the Hallé, I joined the army band in Quebec City where I got the opportunity to develop my musical talents not only by playing the oboe but also the cymbals! I thought they were joking at the time until they actually gave me the cymbals at the very first parade I did outside! And, with no music to read, I had to follow the bass drum! Needless to say that I was not very synchronised and made quite a lot of unwanted solos.

Anyway, I only did six months and got a principal oboe job in Tel-Aviv with the Opera, as well as playing with the Israel Philharmonic. Six months later, I was offered principal oboe with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra where I stayed for eight years (1995-2003).

I am married to an Australian flautist, Belinda, who is Head of Woodwind at Chetham's School of Music. We were very fortunate that the Hallé were looking for a Principal Oboe at the time and even more fortunate to get the position. Now, we both have very exciting jobs and it is such a good time to be part of such a great orchestra and city with a tremendous future. And, what a joy to play in The Bridgewater Hall! My favourite concert hall in the UK.

Of course, there are other things than music in my life. At the moment, it's D.I.Y. You see, we bought an old house and it never stops. There are always things to do. But, I still love it, even if we have noisy neighbours (I live opposite the first clarinet of the Hallé...).

I also play a lot of squash, run and ski. The cor anglais of the Hallé is trying to get me into cricket but he has a very big challenge ahead of him. Perhaps after a few more years living in England, I'll get to like it... Why would anyone play a game, or even worse, watch a game which can last for up to 5 days! I'll keep you posted...

Stephane Rancourt - October 2003