Geoffrey Bridge
Geoffrey Bridge was born in Accrington, Lancashire. After a period of medical training at St Sndrews University he studied the oboe at the Royal College of Music continuing with Leon Goossens, Jock Sutcliffe and later took classes with Heinz Holliger and Maurice Bourgue. He studied conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. Following his professional recital debut in the Manchester Midday Concert series of 1962, Geoffrey became a solo artist for the Arts of Council of Great Britain.
He has broadcast solo and chamber music recitals on BBC radio and made solo appearances on both independent television and radio. Geoffrey has worked as a freelance player with many orchestras, including the Southern Pro Musica Orchestra, of which he is currently Orchestral Manager.
Teaching has always been an integral part of his work and after teaching in Aberdeenshire in the sixties he became head of Woodwind Teaching for Hampshire County Council, and eventually Deputy Head of the Hampshire Music Services. He also taught oboe at Winchester College. Currently Chairman of the British Double Reed Society, he remains actively involved in writing about oboe related matters for the Society's magazine, The Double Reed News.