100th Birthday Civic Concert - Sunday 6 February 2022 3pm
A special celebration concert to mark the 100th birthday of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Symphony Orchestra. Not only acknowledging a century of musicmaking past, but also after all the disruption and upset of the pandemic, heralding a real renaissance as we look forward to the next 100 years of orchestral concerts in Tunbridge Wells. The slightly lighter first half reflects the joy on this occasion, and features some of the orchestra’s own principal players as soloists. In contrast gravitas follows, by way of Elgar’s 2nd Symphony which the composer dedicated “to the memory of His late Majesty King Edward VII”.
Julian Leaper (Violin)
Julian Leaper has been Leader of the RTWSO for seven years, during which time his solo performances with the orchestra have been a real highlight of our concert seasons.
We look forward to his performance of the beautiful Svendsen ‘Romance’ for violin in our special 100th birthday concert.
Julian’s biography appears here
Sarah Butcher (Cello)
Sarah is the RTWSO’s Principal Cello. Her association with the orchestra began when she was just 15 and a student at Tonbridge Grammar School.
Following later studies at the Guildhall with Stefan Popov, Sarah has enjoyed a busy career working with the BBCSO, OAE, Hanover Band, Glyndebourne, Garsington and English Touring Opera and Peter Gabriel.
She is currently a member of the London Mozart Players.
The Dave Lee Horn Quartet
Dave Lee, Tom Bettley, Lindsay Kempley, Jane Hanna
Principal Horn Dave Lee has played with the RTWSO for many decades. Alongside a busy and distinguished career in some of the UK’s finest Orchestras, Opera Houses, Recording Studios and West End Theatres, Dave has been an enthusiastic supporter of the RTWSO.
He has been involved in numerous activities beyond just our concerts, not least of all our education and outreach projects with which he is frequently involved.
We are delighted to welcome his own horn quartet as soloists in this special Civic Concert.
