Tim Watts, who passed away in 2024, was a much-loved member of the Orchestra for over twenty years. On Thursday 9 April, the members and staff of the RPO come together to celebrate his life and his contribution to the Orchestra with the premiere of John Rutter's A Shakespeare Sketchbook at Cadogan Hall, a piece which is dedicated to Tim's memory.

Watch RPO Principal Oboe John Roberts and Principal Cor Anglais Patrick Flanaghan pay tribute to their close friend and colleague of many years.

John Anderson
RPO Principal Oboe, 2000–2013

Tim was my valued colleague in the RPO for 11 years. He was a fine player and a versatile one, equally accomplished playing second or first oboe, cor anglais and oboe d’amore. Tim’s d’amore solo in Ravel’s Boléro was always outstanding.

He became a great friend and touring companion with a talent for seeking out good restaurants in the most unpromising locations. Tim relished post-concert banter and camaraderie. He loved being part of the RPO and the thrill of concert-giving. Tim was a calm and level-headed person, qualities which helped him become a respected union rep and board member of the RPO. Tim is greatly missed.

He was a top-class musician and a special person.

Emer McDonough
Principal Flute

I had the privilege of working with Tim for over 20 years, and it is no exaggeration to say that he was cherished by everyone in the RPO.

Tim was the kind of player who was the very marrow of a section. His seasoned experience was a fatherly mooring for us all. His playing was pure and unaffectedly honest, yet he remained entirely self-effacing. That lack of arrogance was the bedrock and ethos of the section.

Tim always noticed when someone needed support and had a genuine admiration for the musicianship of others. Quietly sociable and great craic, he had a gift for nurturing friendships.
I still expect to see him at rehearsal, just off his bike, ambling to his seat and the section he loved. He is sorely missed.

Naomi Watts
Tim’s daughter and member of the RPO cello section

I loved playing in the same orchestra as my dad. He had such a steady presence and was always delighted to be at work. He was the absolute best company in a vast array of settings! A long bus journey, pre-concert meal, post-concert cocktail, hike in the desert, he even became my regular Yoga buddy on tour – Dad absolutely wouldn’t entertain the idea of travelling without his mat. I feel so privileged to have shared a career in the same orchestra as him. It provided a unique and unspoken connection between us that made me feel I knew him in an extra special way.
The sound of the oboe will forever evoke his image and bring me tears and joy in equal measure. I sometimes think I can still see him on stage peering over the top of his glasses, oboe at the ready. Perhaps he is.