Goossens, Léon (1897–1988)

English oboist, brother of Eugene Goossens. From 1913 he was first oboist of the Queen's Hall Orchestra, and afterwards played with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Opera. He taught at the Royal Academy of Music in London and at the Royal College of Music, also in London. Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Gordon Jacob wrote works for him. His sisters Marie (1897–1991) and Sidonie (1899– ) were both harpists: Marie played for the Queen's Hall Orchestra 1920–30, the London Symphony Orchestra 1940–59 and the London Mozart Players from 1972; Sidonie was principal harpist with the BBC Symphony Orchestra 1930–80.