We announce our new leader

We’re delighted to announce that Jonathan Whitehead is the new leader of Todmorden Orchestra. Jonathan is taking up his role at the start of our 2021/2022 season.

Jonathan lives locally and started playing at the age of six, and played in the Leeds Youth Orchestra between the ages of 12 and 18. From the age of 20 his violin lay unused, but he started playing again in his thirties after a trip to Cuba convinced him that the gift of music should not be wasted. He joined Todmorden Orchestra in 2011. He has taken part in a number of recitals in Todmorden with Antony and Friends, and also enjoys playing string quartets regularly with friends from the orchestra.

Jonathan says:

“It’s wonderful that a town the size of Todmorden has its own orchestra. It presents great opportunities for local musicians and audiences alike. In this age of digital streaming I think it’s really important to maintain community-based forms of art and entertainment. I am looking forward to joining with the friendly and enthusiastic members of the orchestra to play great works from the orchestral repertoire, both familiar favourites and less well known works.”

Our Chair, John Moorhouse, adds:

“We are very pleased to welcome Jonathan as our new leader. He knows his fellow musicians well and we look forward to his leadership in a new phase for the orchestra as we finally get back towards normality.”