THE GUILDFORD ©
PHILHARMONIC —
_
PHILHARMONIC
-
The GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY, for the Friends of the
Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra, is Guildford’s foremost musical appreciation
group. It was founded primarily to encourage both its own members and the public
at large to be aware of, and to enjoy, the Orchestra’s season of concerts in the Civic
Hall, the Hall originally built for Guildford’s own orchestra. Also it provides
opportunities to enjoy a wide variety of first class musical events at special
Members’ Evenings.
As the Society is a registered charity it welcomes payment of subscriptions by deed
of covenant. For the Member this of course means no increase for the four-year
period covered, and for the Society the additional income of the reclaimed tax, at
basic rate, on such payments. Funds are used to help with substantial publicity for
the Philharmonic concert season and to provide additional support to the Orchestra
including the sponsorship of young players. Practical help is given at concerts.
In addition to Members’ Events, special evenings and receptions, Society members
receive a wealth of benefits which include: —
@
Priority booking for the series at the start of each concert season at discount rates.
e
“THE GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC”, the Society’s magazine.
@
Visits to other concert venues where the Orchestra is booked to perform
throughout the South East and beyond.
@
Cassettes, CDs and records at discount rates from Record Corner, Godalming.
@
Opportunities to attend Orchestra rehearsals (by arrangement through the
Philharmonic Office).
e
A special welcome for New Friends of the Orchestra, enjoying and helping to
ensure the continued success of the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra in its
contribution to the quality of life in Guildford and the South East.
MEMBERSHIP RATES:
Admial Subscription (amin).... 0... ncsngccrvesicenns £9.00
Joint subscription (husband and wife)................ceeeeeeees £15.00
Persons under the age of 18 (minimum) .....................66 £6.00
Retired pensioner (inital) «060. .cs.scerpessasensdisstasonseees £6.00
To join please write to the Administrator:-
Mrs Iris Bennett, Applegarth, The Drive, Cranleigh, Surrey. GU6 7LY
with your name and address, and either a request for a Deed of Covenant form or
the appropriate subscription. Alternatively you may enrol at the Society’s stand in
the foyer of the Civic Hall at concerts.
THE GUILDFORD
PHILHARMONIC
‘The Newsletter of the Guildford Philharmonic Society
President - Lady Groves
Administrators:
Chairman:
Treasurer:
Iris and Peter Bennett
Norman Carpenter
Tony Hodge
Applegarth, The Drive
Ufford, 106 Potters Lane
Border Cottage, Pigbush Lane
Cranleigh, GU6 7LY
Send, Woking, GU23 7AL
Loxwood W. Sussex RH14 0QY
(Tel: 01483 276131)
(Tel: 01483 714634)
(Tel: 01403 753624)
Price - 50p, free to Members
March 1996 Issue
News Editor: Pearl Gautrey, 24 Fort Road, Guildford GU1 3TE.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Dear Friends,
We have, over the years, become accustomed to arguably the highest
standard of music in the land from our orchestra. This is, in no small
part, due to Kathy Atkins, our superb Orchestra Manager. She has
always engaged the best conductors, soloists and orchestral members
to create the unique sound of the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra.
You will read about Kathy’s life and times later in this issue. However,
it falls to me to thank her for all the pleasure we have derived from her
hard work and expertise. We will miss her greatly and wish her, and
her husband, Stan, a well deserved long and happy retirement.
Norman Carpenter
Chairman
Kathy Atkins
i
As Norman Carpenter has mentioned in
his Chairman’s remarks, Kathy will be
retiring shortly. We are, therefore, very
lucky to have at last persuaded her to write
of her experiences with the G.P.O. over
the past 34 years.
Following on from Kathy’s article we print
an appreciation by Hugh Bean and John
Ludlow, as Joint Leaders, of what Kathy
has meant to all those musicians who
have been associated with her personally
as well as professionally.
Life with the Guildford Philharmonic
Looking back over the years, I realise that I have known all the Orchestra’s Chiefs! I was a
schoolgirl during Crossley Clitheroe’s time - the Guildford Philharmonic’s founder Musical
Director - and used to attend the concerts regularly - selling programmes - and enjoying the
recitals promoted by the then Concertgoers’ Society.
I studied the piano with Edgar Carr at the Royal College of Music and ran my own teaching
practice for many years.
My life with the Guildford Philharmonic began in 1962 when Tod Handley decided that I should ~
work for him; at that time this was for a period of only 16 or so hours a week! Tod said to me ‘You
must be prepared for anything in this job!’ I found this to be true when at my very first concert I
was asked by the percussionist to sew a button on his trousers!
Under Tod, the Orchestra became a fully professional orchestra, made its first recordings, gave a series
of ‘enterprising’ concerts each year which attracted the national press, and the former Guildford
Municipal Orchestra became the Guildford Philharmonic. There was a great ‘fizz’ to the concerts series
in the 60s, and during that period I thoroughly enjoyed singing in the Philharmonic Choir. However,
Tod’s commitments increasingly took him away from Guildford until in 1983 after a period of 21 years
he resigned his position as Musical Director although he still remains the Orchestra’s Conductor
Emeritus. Our organisation was very fortunate in 1986 to have attracted Sir Charles Groves, who, after
initially declining to take over, changed his mind on receipt of a letter signed by the members of the
Orchestra. Sir Charles was a wise counsellor to the Orchestra for the last six years of his life and it was a
very sad time for us following his death in 1992. It was, therefore, another terrible shock when Sir
Alexander Gibson died in January 1995 alter conducting only one concert as Principal Conductor. Let
us hope now - with the appointment of En Shao - that we are entering a period of stability.
In Tod Handley’s day, he alone was responsible for the seasons’ programmes. Planning the seasons’
concerts with Sir Charles Groves was a great pleasure. Hugh, John and I would sit down with him at
his home in Camden Square on a couple of occasions each year. Sir Charles was very positive in his
choice of programmes and soloists - and once we had established his programmes, and the choral programmes we then discussed which artists and conductors should be included in the remaining concerts.
Maw 2((
We only managed one planning meeting with Sir Alexander Gibson before his death - but this ”
was a happy occasion with Hugh, John & Sir Alexander telling so many stories and reminiscing
about their past experiences - that several meetings would have been inevitable! !
After such meetings, guest conductors have then to be consulted about their programmes and
soloists. It is important to provide a good balance of compositions and instrumentalists for the
subscription series. But, and perhaps more importantly, to work within the prescribed budget
in order to keep the Borough Treasurer happy!
It was particularly exciting to have been involved in the planning of the 50th anniversary season.
Two highlights were the performances of ‘Prometheus’ by Scriabin with the stunning lighting
effects created by Amanda from Surrey University and ‘All God’s Creatures’, commissioned
from Howard Blake and involving over 1000 children for two performances.
It is always an anxious moment at the beginning of a rehearsal for a concert checking that all the
personnel are present. When I first came into the job, I began by writing letters to everyone confirming dates - but gradually learnt to trust the diary system! Our regular musicians put the
season’s dates in their diaries - and a phone call from the office confirms availability. To anyone
outside the business - it doesn’t seem possible that such a system runs smoothly!
Of course, each concert features differently orchestrated works - and our members receive a
schedule during the summer and at the beginning of the New Year which details instrumentations of the works to be performed, together with the times and venues of rehearsals and concerts. The principal brass and woodwind players in the orchestra are responsible for their sec-
tions - but most of the string players are booked and confirmed from the office.
I realise how fortunate I have been to have worked with the first rate musicians that comprise the
Guildford Philharmonic. In particular, I must mention our two outstanding Associate Leaders,
Hugh Bean and John Ludlow, who have given so generously of their time over and above their
appearances with the orchestra. Their experience has been invaluable to me. There is a special
atmosphere in the Orchestra - and this has stemmed from them. It is not usual in a freelance orchestra to have the regularity and commitment from personnel that our Orchestra has-it is unique.
Day to day work includes the preparation of the annual concert brochure - also, posters, leaflets,
programme notes and press releases for each of the concerts; lists of musicians’ fees, artists’ and
conductors’ fees have to be prepared so that the Council’s Treasury can send out cheques; contracts issued to conductors and soloists giving them rehearsal times and venues; and advertisements placed with the press. The transport of timpani and music to various rehearsal and concert
halls has to be organised, and music for the concerts ordered. Although the Civic Hall Box Office
sells tickets, the administration of the subscription series is handled by the orchestra’s office.
Every concert produces its own set of anxious moments. Sometimes a conductor or artist has to withdraw at the last minute through illness - or problems with work permits (as happened at the beginning
of this current season)! Deadlines have to be met for copy dates - for programmes, posters, etc.
Fortunately for us, the Guildford Philharmonic is a Civic enterprise and Guildford Borough the
main funding body. However, annual applications for additional funding are made to our regional arts board - South East Arts - and a considerable amount of time is spent seeking
sponsors. You, the Society, sponsor a ‘chair’ for a young musician in the string section of the
Orchestra throughout the series and the Sir Charles Groves Endowment Fund sponsors a young
artist as soloist in one of the annual series of concerts.
In addition - we try to expand the work of the Guildford Philharmonic outside its home venue through the aegis of the South East Music Trust. The Orchestra performs regularly in venues other
than Guildford, for instance in Canterbury, Salisbury and Chichester Cathedrals, the Royal Festival
Hall, Kenwood, etc We also work with schools in organising the ‘Adopt a Player’ scheme and composition workshops with Surrey County Council. For many years, the Orchestra has been involved
in the ‘Classical Road Show’ in which around 2000 children take part.
This gives just a flavour of the work that goes on in the office - and as for telephone calls and
meetings!! There is a great deal to be done but..help!!..there aren’t many of us......... Peter and I
are the only fulltime members of staff. Shirley works for 18 hours each week — though I am
sure she feels she works double this amount, and Nick, who is our projects consultant, works for
the expansion of the Orchestra’s activities outside the Borough’s Music scheme. (He is paid by
the South East Music Trust and works for a couple of days each week presenting new ideas for
development)
Life with the Guildford Philharmonic is never dull. It is challenging, stimulating and, sometimes, frustrating - but above all it is fulfilling and fun.
KATHY ATKINS
Hugh Bean & John Ludlow write:Although the passage of time is inevitable, the existence of the Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra
without Kathy Atkins seems unthinkable. Over the years, with wisdom and
sensitivity, she has
created an orchestra of which Guildford can be truly proud, and, furthermore - and this is possibly a greater achievement, - engendered a family atmosphere unique in the music profession.
The players feel a loyalty to Guildford because they are in turn feel they are appreciated as individual musicians, not just as a viola or oboe player. Many of us in the orchestra have full diaries
in London, but we all look forward to Guildford engagements as red-letter days, knowing that we
shall be rehearsing and performing in an atmosphere of enthusiasm, motivation and mutual goodwill created by Kathy, ideal circumstances for memorable and enjoyable music making. Through
her personality she has gained respect and affection, not only of Directors of Music such as Tod
hanley, Sir Charles Groves and Sir Alexander Gibson, but visiting conductors and soloists, and
indeed the entire orchestra.
At every concert in future, we shall look into the audience for the pleasure and inspiration of seeing Kathy there, and she will have to have a very good excuse for any absence!
C
—
The Guildford Philharmonic Society
and the
English Speaking Union.
In the December Newsletter I mentioned that over the next 3 seasons the Guildford Branch of
the English Speaking Union is sponsoring a young musician to play at a concert with the
Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra each year. I also mentioned that the Chairman and members
of the E.S.U. were inviting G.P.S. members to coffee at Chilworth Manor on Thursday, April
25th, at 10.00 am.
The G.P.S. welcomes this opportunity to strengthen our links with the E.S.U. and hopes that
many of you will be able to accept. If so, would you kindly get in touch with Pamela Harding on
01483 567461 so that the E.S.U. has some idea of numbers to assist them in catering.
Editor
Delving into the Past
My earliest recollections of hearing the “Festival Choir” as it was then called,was in December
1952. They were singing Handel’s “Messiah” at the Technical College,Stoke Park, accompa-
nied by the Guildford Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra, leader Tate Gilder, under the baton
of Crossley Clitheroe - programme price 6d! How I enjoyed this experience and thought how
lovely it would be to belong to such a choir.
During the next few years I went regularly to their performances; sometimes the Orchestra and
the Bice Bellairs Ballet in the Tech; on other occasions to the Odeon Theatre at the top of the
High Street for a programme by the Municipal Orchestra and Crossley Clitheroe with famous
soloists. This always seemed quite a rush for a 2.30 start, after a substantial Sunday lunch!
In 1958, whilst carrying out my duties in our family business, I happened to come into conversation with Mr Clitheroe,who lived in our village. Kindly man, as he was, he asked the question
“Do you sing - why don’t you come along to my Choir?” Before long I found myself going
along on a Monday evening,7.15 pm, to the old Methodist Church hall at the junction of North
Street and Woodbridge Road. Sitting reticently in the back row with the mighty sopranos, I
found to my joy they were rehearsing the “Messiah” for the coming December. I might add that
I was soon changed to singing ‘alto’. Because of my voice, you understand! So I formed my last-
ing relationship with the Festival Choir.
This was followed in 1959 with Verdi’s “Requiem”, Delius’ “Seadrift” and “Serenade to Music”-
Vaughan Williams, and in 1960/61 Brahm’s “Requiem” and “Dream of Gerontius” - Elgar. We
must not forget the annual Carol Concert in the Methodist Church. Some of the more established
members will call to mind such singing companions as Ken and Barbara Lank, Jack and Joan
Benson, Joyce Chesterfield, Cynthia Pepler and Con Azzopardi,to name but a few. Naturally there
were many more folks and lots of beautiful music to sing, too numerous to list here.
During this time, the smaller, more ‘select’Philharmonic Choir was in existence. I remember
singing on one occasion with them in much fear and trepidation!
The following year of 1962, brought about changes, with the arrival of Vernon (Tod) Handley
who was appointed Musical Director after the sad death of Crossley Clitheroe.
The Festival Choir was renamed the Philharmonic Choir which gradually incorporated the
small choir and the Orchestra became Guildford Philharmonic Orchestra, with leader William
Arnon. The new Civic Hall was completed and became the venue for our concerts. We, as a
choir ventured into lesser known works under Tod Handley’s baton and some recordings were
made. I always found the rehearsals great fun, although it was hard work and I looked upon the
altos in the front row as ‘cream of the bunch’. Have times changed?!
A new Choir came on the scene,consisting of a younger group of singers, calling themselves
“Proteus”, which I thought at the time was most clever, as of course the numbers were always
changing when some left for University or Careers. I guess they had a very exciting time under
the new young conductor!
I feel I must not let this go by without mentioning two of my music teachers,who were very
much in the music scene at this time Kathleen Dunn-Davies and June Downham, (nee
Gulland), not forgetting past accompanists, Mary Rivers, Linden Knight and Christopher
Mabley.
I think everyone will know of more recent changes,with the introduction of a Choir Committee,
higher membership rates, stricter programme of auditioning,visits to Freiburg and those reciprocated visits.
Hats off to past Chorus Masters Simon Halsey and Neville Creed and coats off to the future
under Jeremy Backhouse’ excellent guidance!
ANNE PHILPS
Summer Concerts
|
SATURDAY 11 MAY at 7.30 pm
ST JOHNS - SMITH SQUARE - LONDON
VASARI SINGERS
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC
TOTUS TUUS
GORECKI
HYMNS TO THE MOTHER OF GOD
JOHN TAVERNER
REQUIEM
HERBERT HOWELLS
MASS IN C MINOR
MOZART
Conductor: JEREMY BACKHOUSE
Tickets £12 and £9 (Concessions for OAPs and children £6)
available from St. Johns Box Office 0171 222 1061
SATURDAY 27 JULY at 7.30 pm
POPULAR CLASSICS & FIREWORKS
KENWOOD
GUITLDFORD PHILHARMONIC
ROBERT MAX
CELLO
JONATHAN DEL MAR
CONDUCTOR
Programme:
Overture THE BARTERED BRIDE
SMETANA
SIESTA
WALTON
CELLO CONCERTO
DVORAK
SYMPHONY No 4 in F minor
TCHAIKOVSKY
(with fireworks)
The Surrey Advertiser (Spectrum - Phone No. 888444) is proposing to run a coach
party to the concert at Kenwood. Details and cost of combined coach fare and ticket
will be published in due course in the Advertiser. Those of us who went last year
thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The concert was extremely well attended, so do
book early if you want to go.
Talks by Conductors
Saturday 14 October 1995
Saturday 10 February 1996
e
e
En Shao
James Lockhart
talks about his journey from East to
discusses Mahler’s 4th Symphony
West at 6.15 in the Civic Hall -
at 6.15 in the Civic Hall -
‘From Tianjin to Guildford’
‘My approach to Mahler over
the years’
Sing with the
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
Chorus Master - Jeremy Backhouse
Rehearsals on Mondays 7.30pm to 9.30pm
at the Methodist Hall, Guildford
For information about membership apply to:Kathleen Atkins, Guildford Philharmonic Office, Guildford Borough Council,
Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford, Surrey GU2 5BB.
Tel: Guildford (01483) 444666
The Party Shop
6 Milkhouse Gate, Guildford
(PASSAGEWAY ADJACENT SAINSBURYS)
Telephone: (01483) 576262
Everything for parties - Fancy dress accessories,
disposable tableware, balloons, cards and gift wrap
OPEN MON -SAT 9 - 5.30
ADVERTISERS WISHING TO HIRE THIS SPACE
PLEASE APPLY TO THE EDITOR
c/o The Philharmonic Office.
Dragon Print Centres Ltd. 01420 474747
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
1995/96 SUBSCRIPTION SERIES CONCERTS
THE HART BROWN CONCERT
Overture: Hansel & Gretel
Piano Concerto
Schumann
Symphony No. 9 (New World)
3
Dvorak
ANYA ALEXEYEV
ay
piano
English Speaking Union)
4
(soloist sponsored by the Guildford Branch of the
§
EN SHAO
Mendelssohn
Overture: Calm Sea & Prosporous Voyage
Humperdinck
Exsultate Jubilate
Synphony No. 4
Mozart
Mahler
ANNA-CLARE MONK
suprano
JAMES LOCKHART
conductor
conductor
Sponsored by Hart Brown & Co., Solicitors
Le Tombeau de Couperin
Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso
Poéme
#
Romeo & Juliet Suite
cs
2
MIRA ZHENG-RONG WANG
=
EN SHAO
Ravel
Saint-Saéns
Chausson
Prokofiev
Symphony No. 6 (Le Matin)
g
Piano Concerto No. 3
Symphony No. 5
2
3
Haydn
Beethoven
Schubert
STEVEN OSBORNE
=
Piano
(artist supported by the Sir Charles Groves Endowement Fund)
SACHIO FUJIOKA
conductor
violin
-
conductor
Pre-concert talk by En Shao at 6.15pm in the Civic Hall for concert
Guildford Cathedral
ticket holders - ‘From Tianjin to Guildford’
Stabat Mater
Dvorak
CAROLINE LENTON-WARD
soprano
CLARE HENRY
Dances of Galanta
Piano Concerto No. 2
Symphony No. 4 (Italian)
Kodaly
Beethoven
Mendelssohn
HOWARD SHELLEY
director/soloist
alto
GARETH ROBERTS
tenor
JEFFREY CARL
bass
FREIBURGER BACHCHOR
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
HANS MICHAEL BEUERLE
conductor
(Director/Soloist sponsored by Morison Stoneham)
Blest Pair of Sirens
Parry
Cello Concerto
Great is the Glory
Elgar
Willcocks
JAMES OXLEY
ALEXANDER BAILLIE
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
JONATHAN WILCOCKS
tenor
cello
Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra
Violin Concerto
Symphony No. 4
LELAND CHEN
Symphony No. 4
VANESSA LATARCHE
VERNON HANDLEY
Vanessa Latarche
Brahms
JEREMY HUW WILLIAMS
baritone
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
EDWARD WARREN
conductor
Overture to ‘La Fedelta Premiata’
Symphony No. 6 (The House of the Devil)
Horn Concerto No. 3
Concerto Grosso Op. 3, No. 2
Concert Rondo
Symphony No. 34
4
Haydn
Boccherini
Mozart
Handel
Mozart
Mozart
Britten
Sibelius
Tchaikovsky
SARAH WILLIS
ne
- 3
Piano
conductor
4
ROBERT KING
GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Piano Concerto
Symphony No. 2 (London)
Walton
Stephen Watson
conductor
THE CROSSLEY CLITHEROE CONCERT
JOHN FORSTER
Overture: Portsmouth Point
Choral Cantata (O captain, my captain)
(this work is to be recorded by Koch International for Worldwide distribution)
Gershwin
Vaughan Williams
soprano
conductor
%
horn
conductor
5
Requiem
§
VERDI
REGINA NATHAN
é
soprano
KATHLEEN McKELLAR FERGUSON
alto
JOHN DASZAK
tenor
PAUL WHELAN
bass
GUILDFORD PHILHARMONIC CHOIR
GRANT LLEWELLYN
conductor