evelyn barbirolli (born wallingford-on-thames, berkshire, 24 january 1911; died 25 january 2008) was a famous oboist. she was an honorary member of the royal philharmonic society. only 116 people have ever been made honorary members. she was the wife of the conductor sir john barbirolli. she was born evelyn rothwell, and was always known by that name until after the death of her husband, john barbirolli, when she changed her professional name to “evelyn barbirolli”. she became famous at a time when there were very few women in orchestras.