Misbourne
Symphony
Orchestra
Conductor: Richard Jacklin Leader: Alan Morris
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| A short history of the Orchestra, written to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Orchestra - by Lizbet Fairley and Robyn Johnstone - June 2002 | ||
The Misbourne Orchestra - 40 years of Music | ||
| The picture was taken at the 40th anniversary concert in July 2002 | ||
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| From small beginnings come marvellous things! Who can imagine what might grow from the enthusiasm and passion of a few individuals? This season the Misbourne Orchestra, which began in the hearts and minds of a few musicians in and around Gerrards Cross and Chalfont St. Peter in 1962, celebrates its 40th Anniversary. It all began with a handful of musician friends who met in the sitting room of Roger Stalman, a professional bass singer, and then in the home of Michael Kitchen, viola player and composer. By 1967 the Orchestra had grown to 24 regular members. Although informal performances had already been given to local music clubs, the first open public concert took place on 16th November 1968. Concerts were initially in various venues and in conjunction with the Gerrards Cross Music Club, with rehearsals and concerts in St. Joseph's Hall. Later, most concerts were given in Dr. Challoner's grammar School or The Elgiva Theatre, and then in Dr. Challoner's High School, Little Chalfont where the orchestra plays today. The first concerts included songs as well as orchestral pieces, with the first symppphony in 1966. In the early 1970s, Roger Stalman conducted the Misbourne in performances of Mozart's Don Giovanni and Magic Flute, and he performed in Benjamin Britten's opera The Little Sweep, conducted by Ann Cook. John Willan took over as conductor from Roger in 1973, and over the years a wide variety of orchestral works have been performed. The Orchestra has also co-operated with the Chorleywood Choral Society to undertake major choral works. Past conductors included Ian Hooker, Iain Ledingham, Roger Harris, Sheila Cornall and Lionel Bentley, all of whom made major contributions to the musicianship of the Orchestra. This tradition continues with the present conductor, Richard Jacklin. Over the years the Orchestra has been fortunate in having many fine leaders. Alan Pike led until 1971, to be followed by Elizabeth Copperwheat, who led for over 12 years. Then came Ian White for 10 years, and later Marilyn Vanryne. Craig Stratton is our present leader. Marilyn Vanryne played in the orchestra as a teenager with her sister Susi (cello), brother Tim (horn) and father Keith, who was for many years the Orchestra's principal clarinettist. Other families with at least three members performing in the Orchestra were those of Donald Garrow and Gresham Dodd. Highlights of the Orchestra's forty yearsinclude exchange visits with the Dublin Orchestral Players in 1978 and 1979, and 'Hoffnung' style concert to celebrate the Orchestra's 21st birthday in July 1983. Soloists over the years have included distinguished players such as Christopher van Kampen, Alan Civil, Jack Brymer (several times), Yaltah Menuhin, William Bennett and Rachael Fisher, and as guest conductor, Derek Solomons. The Misbourne Orchestra has been keen to support local soloists, and has also given concerto opportunities to several winners of the 'Chiltern Young Musician of the Year' competition. A resume of the Orchestra's first forty years would not be complete without mentioning one particular member, Margaret Purssell. She is not only the longest serving member, but has been playing the bassoon since shortly after the Orchestra was founded. In its early days the Orchestra needed a bassoon player, and Margaret was persuaded to learn on Roger Stalman's instrument. She has never looked back! The Misbourne Orchestra continues to go from strength to strength, rehearsing weekly during term time, and puts on regular public concerts, which are well received by audiences and critics alike. Forty years on, the Misbourne still comprises a group of enthusiastic musicians who enjoy getting together to perform music. In tune (!) with the times, the Orchestra now has its own website and a new venture for 2003 is an afternoon concert of popular music designed to appeal to families. |
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We are affiliated to Making Music (the National Federation of Music Societies). We would like to thank Halstan & Co Ltd for their generous support this season. The orchestra is a Registered Charity |
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| Last updated: 20 July 2002 | ||