Our leader Andrew takes a final bow

Andrew Rostron, Todmorden Orchestra’s leader and principal violin, has announced that he is standing down from the end of our 2019/2020 season. He became a member of the Orchestra in 2002, when he was invited to join as leader.

We asked Andrew for his reflections on his time as leader: “In terms of highlights, I’ve enjoyed all concerts with the Orchestra”, he says, “but a couple stick in my mind for different reasons. We played the Dvorak Cello Concerto the weekend after my first daughter, Hollie, was born. It was a vibrant performance and the beautiful duet between solo cello and leader towards the end seemed to encapsulate that feeling of elation at the birth of a child.

“A few years later when we played the Strauss Oboe Concerto the soloist stayed with us and developed a lovely bond with Hollie. In more recent years we have been very fortunate to have the support of Ann Widdecombe, whom we were also privileged to host. Last and by no means least, the most significant one is meeting my lovely wife Heather through the Orchestra!

“In terms of significant events, the night that I played the solo part in Danse Macabre was the night my father died, which makes one contemplate the concept of synchronicity.”

“From the point of view of what it has meant to me, I have relished the opportunity to play some of the best orchestral repertoire, and to be an active part of the local community.”

Conductor Nicholas Concannon-Hodges, says of Andrew’s term as leader:

“It has been a real pleasure to have worked with Andrew. I have appreciated and will miss his strength as a leader; his confidence and the consistency of his playing has always stood out and this has been most reassuring both for myself and the rest of the string section. Andrew will be a very hard act to follow and his departure will leave a large hole in our orchestra. I wish him the very best with all his future music making.”

Todmorden Orchestra will be recruiting a new leader over the next few months and will share details of the process soon. If you’d like to register your interest in the position please contact Jennifer Moorhouse on secretary@todmordenorchestra.org.uk.