King, Thea (1925–2007)

English clarinettist. She was the principal clarinettist for the English Chamber Orchestra 1964–99 and was associated with the modern revival of interest in the music of 19th-century composers such as Bernhard Crusell (1775–1838).

She studied at the Royal College of Music, London, was a founder of the all-female Portia ensemble in 1953, and was principal clarinettist of the London Mozart Players 1956–64. She gave the first performances of works by Herbert Howells, John Ireland,

Humphrey Searle (1915–1982), and Alan Rawsthorne.