The end of an era
Dear Patrons, Friends and supporters. It is with great sadness that I have to tell you that the next concert on December 1st, 3pm in The Temple Methodist Church, Taunton, will be the last with the orchestra in its present form. Perhaps a Phoenix will rise from the ashes!
Founded by Hugh Bushell in 1982, it has become more and more difficult to balance the Taunton Sinfonietta books. Despite our best efforts, audience numbers have been disappointing, and costs continue to rise. I am sure we have succeeded in maintaining a high musical standard, and presented interesting programmes. We remember a long list of musical directors, from the early days with Chris Peto, to Mary Eade, who has amazed us with her unique musicianship and virtuosity for longer than any other! We can also remember many eminent soloists over the years.
Mary and her cellist friend Vicky run Divertimento; www.divertimento.uk.com, and have retained the booked date, Sunday February 9th 2025, 3pm in The Temple Methodist Church, for a concert of chamber music. Please check their website for details and do your best to support this.
I announced my retirement as chairman before our recent September concert, and despite our best efforts we have not been able to find a replacement, or additional committee members, so the decision was inevitable.
My sincere thanks to you all, also our committee and players, our church and rehearsal venues, for keeping the music that we love alive in our County town.
Please do your best to come to this, our last concert, which I am sure, with an interesting programme and a stunning young piano soloist Bibi Redford, will be fantastic. I am very pleased to say that our president, Allan Schiller, is planning to come down from Bristol to be with us.
Robin Carpenter, Chairman