The Alderley Edge Orchestra, which is one of the oldest in the North West, is to have its first professional conductor.
Retired local solicitor Tim Kendal, who has conducted the orchestra since 1973, is handing on the baton over to Richard Howarth, former leader of the Manchester Camerata.
Richard Howarth, who has been President of the orchestra for the past four years, will be guest conducting rehearsals during the coming season and conducting his first full concert with the orchestra next year. Tim Kendal will maintain close links with the orchestra by conducting other performances and also playing horn as required.
"It's been a very fulfilling 30 years," said Tim Kendal. "We have covered a tremendously wide repertoire during this time and we have made a particular point of providing concerto opportunities for talented younger soloists in the region. A highlight for me was conducting the 15-year-old Jennifer Pike in her performance of the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto in 2002. A few weeks later, she went on to win the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition and is now a top international soloist. "
Richard Howarth trained as a violinist at the Royal College of Music in London and has worked with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra the Ulster Orchestra. He has been a guest leader with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the BBC Scottish and Welsh Symphony Orchestras, the BBC Philharmonic, the Halle, Orchestra of St John's Smith Square, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, East of England Orchestra and Bournemouth Sinfonietta.
He said "I'm delighted to have the opportunity to develop closer links with the Alderley Edge Orchestra. I also hope to broaden further its concert repertoire."
The Alderley Edge Orchestra dates back to 1922. Amongst its founding members was Philip Godlee who later became chairman of the Hallé Orchestral Society and was responsible for inviting John Barbirolli to become conductor of the Hallé.
Leading soloists who have appeared with the Alderley Edge Orchestra include Hungarian violinist Katalin Varnagy (now with the London Philharmonic Orchestra), cellist Stephen Threlfall (now Director of Music at Chetham's School), clarinettist John Fuest (former principal clarinet in the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra) and flautist Russell Gillespie (founder of flute choir La Flûte Harmonique).
The Alderley Edge Orchestra kick off their 2013-2013 season on Saturday 23rd November with an afternoon concert at Alderley Edge Methodist Church.
They rehearse in Alderley Edge on Thursday evenings and is very keen to welcome new players Further details are available on www.aeorchestra.org.uk.
Photo: Tim Kendal (left) hands over the baton to Richard Howarth.
