Terence MacDonagh

John Alfred Terence MacDonagh (3 February 1908 – 12 September 1986) was an English oboist and cor anglais player, particularly known as one of the four members of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's so-called "Royal Family" of woodwind players.

Life and career MacDonagh was born in Woolwich, London, the son of the oboist and cor anglais player James MacDonagh. He studied in Paris with Myrtile Morel, and in London with Léon Goossens. In 1926 he joined the Scottish Orchestra, and quickly moved to the British National Opera Company, with which he played from 1926 to 1929. though he was not enamoured of the instrument: "You don't want to play that bloody thing. It's always out of tune, has a mind of its own and no bloody répertoire."

During the Second World War MacDonagh served in the armed forces. He returned to the BBC in 1945.

After Beecham's death in 1961, MacDonagh, Brymer and others became unhappy with the management of the RPO, and they moved – in MacDonagh's case moved back – to the BBC Symphony Orchestra. This was MacDonagh's last orchestral position. He retired in 1973. Roy Carter, Sarah Francis, Edwin Roxburgh and John Warrack. He is credited by the oboist Geoffrey Burgess with introducing a lasting French influence into English oboe playing.

MacDonagh was appointed OBE in 1979. He died in London on 12 September 1986, aged 78.