"The genesis of Aubade is a piece for piano which I wrote in the spring of 2015 and which I afterwards thought might go rather well on the oboe. As I warmed to this idea and a piece for oboe began to develop, I realised that I was constantly thinking about oboist friends with whom I had had such pleasure when playing in various wind ensembles. Aubade is therefore in a way a celebration of those friends. There is no special significance in the title but it seems to me to be appropriate." - Michael Walshe

Michael Walshe grew up in a very musical environment. Although on her marriage his mother gave up her career as a professional singer, she continued singing as an amateur for many years. Her repertoire was extensive and he has happy memories both of her rehearsing at home and performing in many concerts in which she participated in Hertfordshire. Michael is very proud to have been a chorister at Westminster Cathedral when George Malcolm was Master of the Cathedral Music. After leaving school and whilst serving his Articles prior to becoming a solicitor, he spent hours composing songs (mostly derivative of Peter Warlock and Roger Quilter) and short pieces for various wind instruments. He also learnt to play the clarinet (he would have preferred an oboe but this he could not afford out of savings as a student) and this provided an opportunity to play orchestral and chamber music.

He continued orchestral and ensemble playing after qualifying and, in spite of his busy professional life, he also found time to compose. A trio for flute, oboe and clarinet (Trio Pastorale - E41) and a quartet for those instruments plus bassoon (Holiday Pieces - E81) were written during this period. Now retired, Michael has continued his composing and recently two pieces for flute and piano (Cavatina and Villanelle) have been published.

Apart from music another of his great loves has been cricket both as a player and, for the last twenty years, as a spectator only. He has also more recently taken up croquet and spends much time when not composing or at Lord’s tending his croquet lawn.