Epsom Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1951 by John Gale, his wife and three children, John, Jocelyn and Gwendoline (who were all keen string players). John Gale's son, originally a viola player, conducted the orchestra for twenty years until he handed over to Derek Lucas, who had previously been the orchestra’s prinicpal clarinet. Derek conducted the orchestra for the next ten years. In 1982 Darell Davison was appointed musical director and remains the orchestra’s conductor.
Over the years many well known soloists have appeared with the orchestra. Performers include, in the early days: Cyril Smith and Phyllis Sellick; Eileen Joyce and Semprini. Later on soloists included John Lill (joint winner of the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow) and the clarinettist Gervase de Peyer. Internationally acclaimed soloists to play with the orchestra in more recent seasons have included Philip Dyson; Alan Brown; Marilyn Hill-Smith; Andrew Haveron; Madelaine Mitchell; Tim Hugh and David Pyatt. The orchestra particularly enjoyed its long association with Johnny Morris, who sadly died in 1999.
In 2001 the orchestra celebrated its 50th birthday.
Darrell Davison studied music as a scholar at Charterhouse and at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge. He started his professional career as the principal cellist of the Ulster Orchestra before returning to London as a free-lance cellist. In 1979 he won the Sir John Barbirolli Conducting Competition and since then has worked with many different orchestras, both professional and amateur. This has included performances with all four London orchestras and recordings with the LSO and the BBC.
In 1984 he was a prize winner in the inaugral Leeds Conducting Competition and in the same year made his London debut by conducting the RPO at a Royal Philharmonic Society Concert at the Royal Festival Hall. Since then Darrell has made appearances at many of the major venues in England and has also conducted lakeside proms at both Kenwood and Crystal Palace. He is conductor and musical director of The Little Symphony of London and The New Philharmonic Orchestra and also presents the successful Arthur Davison Family Concerts at Fairfield Halls, Croydon. He was appointed Musical Director of the Epsom Symphony Orchestra in 1981.
As a composer he has had his works performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra and has written and orchestrated film scores for the London Symphony Orchestra.
Eric Hastings began his career in music, studying at the Guildhall and later at the Royal College of Music. He was a founding member in 1947 of the Yorkshire Symphony orchestra. After three years he left to join the London Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also played many seasons with the D’Oyly Carte Company; the Festival Ballet and various other opera companies in London and the home counties.
Eric was violin tutor at St.Georges College, Weybridge for many years and was violin and viola tutor at Caterham School for some eighteen years. He joined the Epsom Symphony orchestra in 1961.
The first two rehearsals on the 8th and 15th September will be open to anyone who would like to try us out, hopefully with a view to joining but maybe just to enjoy an evening of playing.
Buying tickets online is not yet available.
Tickets are available from the Ticket Secretary marshayoung17@hotmail.com and the
Epsom Playhouse Telephone No.01372 742555
Prices for the performances are:
Our Friends are a valuable part of the Society and much appreciated by the playing members. By becoming a ‘Friend’ you would be able to participate in and enjoy the variety of music performed by the orchestra, as well as the attractive discounts and benefits offered to members. ‘Friends’ are named in concert programmes, receive priority booking forms, discounts on concert tickets and invitations to social events and informal ‘Play for Pleasures’.
To become a 'Friend' please send your name, address and telephone number, together with a cheque for £20 (the minimum contribution for the season)
Made out to: ESOS
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