HITTING THE RIGHT NOTE…
Blackburn Symphony Orchestra’s success is down to inspirational leadership as well as the unwavering dedication of the talented musicians
One of the leading amateur orchestras in the North West, Blackburn Symphony Orchestra, is going from strength to strength, giving regular appearances featuring some of the UK’s most talented musicians.
The orchestra recently gave a highly successful concert at Blackburn Cathedral featuring renowned young cellist Waynne Kwon while this summer will see the musicians playing Khachaturian’s Masquerade Suite with its well-known and beguiling waltz, Respighi’s colourfully orchestrated depiction of Italy, Pines of Rome and Borodin’s compelling masterpiece, his Symphony No 2. All under the watchful eye of conductor Richard Howarth.
Richard trained at the Royal College of Music in London and went on to play with several professional orchestras including Manchester Camerata.
Having spent 40 years as lead violinist, he entered the world of conducting and now assists with around half a dozen non-professional groups including Blackburn Symphony Orchestra, which currently has around 70 members.
Looking ahead the orchestra has a number of performances planned throughout 2018 and 2019, which include a joint programme with Sale Chamber Orchestra playing Mahler’s Symphony No 5.
Also acting as the orchestra’s artistic director, Richard is the person who often comes up with themes and ideas for forthcoming projects, which are then put before the orchestra’s committee.
“We have to consider the projects and the financial implications. If relatively new music is selected there may be copyright implications which means we have to pay. We have to balance it very carefully – older music is copyright free,” explains Richard, who confesses to be a huge fan of Mahler.
“I often get asked who my favourite composer is and it really is difficult to choose. It is often the last piece we have worked on. However I do have my Desert Island Discs list! I am absolutely besotted with Mahler!”
The orchestra, which is funded by member subscriptions, has a professional leader in Alexandra Stemp, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and has extensive experience in orchestras and chamber music.
“The players learn an awful lot from her,” enthuses Richard. “I do like to challenge the musicians as they are very competent so they deserve to be challenged. We could play safe with our choice of music but again, it is all about achieving a balance as to what the orchestra enjoys playing and what the audience wants to hear.”
“My ethos is that the orchestra members come out each week to play and rehearse so they deserve to be challenged with new things.”
The orchestra was founded in 1965. Two of the founder members are cellists Rita Kay and Ian Ramage. While Rita still plays with the orchestra Ian recently retired after 53 years.
“The orchestra has given me more than 50 years of enjoyable fellowship, joining together in playing good music to the best of our ability.”
“We can be proud that we are a centre of musical excellence, and look forward to many more successful years,” says Ian, who was at one point lead cellist.
Over the years the orchestra has drawn on a wealth of knowledge and guidance from a whole host of musical professionals and takes pride in having acclaimed concert pianist Martin Roscoe as its President.
But the orchestra does not run by itself – it has a small group of committee members that work tirelessly, to keep the ship afloat! Gill Hoyle, the newly appointed Chairman, steers the team with a passion and drive that is clear to see.
The orchestra relies heavily on the dedicated input of past and present committee members who generously give of their time. That said, the orchestra works as one big team and at its heart is an enduring love of classical music, keeping it alive and accessible for all.
The orchestra continues to be grateful to past and present patrons and followers, who have supported the orchestra over the years including patron Ken Geddes who recently turned his hand to photography for this article!
The orchestra performs three concerts a year, often giving upcoming artists a platform to perform solo concertos. 2016 saw the orchestra playing alongside BBC Young Musician of the Year winner, Jennifer Pike, when she performed Elgar’s violin concerto.
In November trumpet soloist Gideon Brooks will perform with the orchestra and 2019 will see a varied programme including a US/French collaboration featuring Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, Bernstein’s West Side Story alongside Bizet and Ravel’s Bolero.
