The Committee

Chairperson: Alison Randall

Secretary: Kay Hoare

Treasurer: Nick Williams

Orch. Manager, BSO - Caroline Stratford

Sinfonia Representatives: John Heaps
Chris Woolfe

BSO Rep. / Publicity / Halls: Marion Kenworthy, Rosie Walkem

BSO Rep. / Publicity / Ticket sales

BSO Rep / Subscriptions: Marion Kenworthy

BSO Rep. / Autoglass liason representative: Nick Williams

 

Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra

In 1967 under the initiative of Alan Gardner, a horn player keen to play in a symphony orchestra, and supported by Brian Lane, the County Music Advisor, letters were sent to local musicians inviting them to play in ‘The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra’ in a concert on 8th June, 1967 with the Bedford Musical Society Chorus. The programme included Handel Music from the Royal Fireworks, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, and From the Bavarian Highlands by Elgar. Roy Rimmer took over from Brian Lane as the County Music Advisor in 1967, and with an enthusiastic ad-hoc steering committee formed the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra. Its aims were to provide an opportunity for amateur/semi-professional players to rehearse and perform to a high standard on a regular seasonal basis. The orchestra’s first official concert was given on 10 th February, 1968 conducted by Roy Rimmer with Tina Faulkner as Leader, and Frederick (‘Bill’) Jackson as the soloist in Cimarosa’s Concerto for Oboe and strings. Michael Rose was appointed County Music Advisor in 1972 and took over as musical director of the orchestra.

Bedford Sinfonia

In the same year, Michael Rose founded the Bedford Sinfonia, a smaller orchestra made up of selected musicians who were invited to play to a high performing standard. Specialising in chamber orchestral works, wind ensembles and string orchestra compositions, it also includes 20th Century music in its choice of programmes.

 

How to join

The Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra meets on Wednesday evenings (during school term time) from 7:30 - 9:30 at Goldington Middle School, Bedford.

Players interested in joining are invited to come along to a rehearsal.

Further information can be obtained from the Orchestral Manager at enquiries@bedfordsymphony.com

Membership of Bedford Sinfonia is by invitation.