History of The SLRO - Into the 21st Century
New Associations and Fundraising
Dr. Ian Sharp eventually suggested that the SLRO become associated with the College (renamed Liverpool University College) in a more formal way and that the SLRO become the College's Community Orchestra. He also suggested that an annual fundraising concert be given, beginning in the summer of 1997, in support of Hope One World, the College's overseas educational charity. Light refreshments at the end of the concert for players and audience alike serve as an excuse for conversation and celebration. A public concert had not been attempted since 1983, in Eugene Genin's time! Dr. Sharp also suggested that soloists, either orchestral members or guests, be invited to play a concerto movement or two with the SLRO at concerts and/or during a Tuesday evening meeting. In December 2000, the SLRO provided instrumental music for the first time at the College's Procession of Carols, playing in the College's R C Chapel and accompanying the College Choir. It is now an annual event.
With increased involvement and encouragement of College staff, especially of Dr Ian Sharp, many College (now renamed Liverpool Hope) students join the SLRO. Some stay only a couple of weeks or a year. Others are happy to join forces with us for the duration of their course and even, after graduating, if they are local residents. For the first time, SLRO had a formal presence at Liverpool Hope's Freshers' Fair in September 2001. Jane Chapman (Student Committee Member and leader of the cellos) set up and oversaw the SLRO information and recruitment stand, helped by Gordon Charters (viola); Judith Hinds (violin); Nick Wood (violin) and Des O'Hare (double bass) using posters and publicity material prepared by Joan Wilson. Incidentally, subscriptions are always waived for full time students, regardless of age or of academic institution.
Each year, the SLRO has been happy to set aside an evening rehearsal for the College's Post Graduate Certificate of Secondary Education Music students to try their hand at orchestral conducting under , the watchful eye of Gresham Professor of Music, Stephen Pratt.
Rehearsals are usually attended by between twenty and thirty players, varying in age from teenagers right through to octogenarians. Most players live in south Liverpool although a few come from further afield in Merseyside, Knowsley, Warrington and Widnes. Until recently, our staunch French horn player, Shirley Kenyon, had travelled every week from her home in Worsley, west Manchester, having originally met Liverpool players at the Grasmere (now Rydal) Orchestra. Commitment indeed!
Liverpool Hope's School of Creative and Performing Arts is gradually moving to its new location, The Cornerstone, known as Hope at Everton, L3. Although the Music staff are retaining the Music Salon's use at Hope Park, the College's set of timps will be based at Everton. The SLRO was therefore faced with a major dilemma either to buy a set of timps or to move to the Everton site. The idea of relocation was unpopular with many of the members for a variety of reasons, despite the Committee having been impressed by the facilities and their concern that most of future music students will be living there too. This is a factor which will obviously affect Liverpool Hope student membership of the Orchestra in the years ahead. Through Des O'Hare's contacts, a second-hand set of timps is currently being purchased and will be kept at Hope Park when Ian Sheppard has organised the necessary repairs. Professor Stephen Pratt has kindly agreed that the College will help with costs. In return, the College will have use of the instruments should a set be needed at Hope Park.
Mention must be made of the social aspect of Tuesday evenings. Until the beginning of the 2001-2 season, hot drinks and biscuits had always been smoothly managed by Eileen Tregunna and prepared by herself and/or with the help the late Dot Danher (timpani) and Margaret Dee at the interval. At Christmas, Eileen would present the players with beautifully arranged light refreshments and alcoholic drinks. Eileen has now handed over this catering responsibility entirely to Margaret Dee and Anna Robinson (percussion). Recent conversion of the 'tea room' means it is now only possible to serve cold drinks with the biscuits; a retrograde step. The drinks interval has enabled the SLRO to create a friendly environment, with members mixing well without regard to age group, profession or instrument. This socialising has led to Phil Newton suggesting a more ambitious social gathering. It will take the form of a buffet before members attend the College's Psappha Concert in March 2002. One of Professor Stephen Pratt's piano compositions, 'Winter Fantasy' will feature in the programme. This event epitomises the beneficial symbiotic relationship of the SLRO and the College (now renamed Liverpool Hope University College).
As will be apparent from the foregoing text, the SLRO is run on democratic lines and its continued success is due to its many members' cooperation and input. It has been a guiding principle of the original SLRO founder members that the Orchestra should not be run by or be dependent upon the say so of one or two for its existence.