Musical Directors
One of the most remarkable facts about Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra is that in its 64 years of existence it has only had 3 Musical Director/Conductors.There is something about the orchestra which gets into the bloodstream and becomes a way of life for those actively involved.
- 1944 to 1965 - the Founder, Edward Gough held the baton and encouraged the players to perform in concerts and to take an active part in Music Festivals around the country.
- 1965 to 1972 – Howard Gough took over and ran the orchestra, expanding and developing the repertoire, and bringing in professional soloists. However, in 1972 he decided to take a term’s sabbatical so looked for a stop gap conductor and the rest of the story is history!
- 1972 – Adrian Brown travelled to a concert with Margaret Holter (then leader of Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra). His time at the Royal Academy of Music was coming to end so she casually suggested he apply to fill in as Conductor for SYO for a term. Nearly 40 years later Adrian Brown is still Musical Director of the orchestra, having enjoyed triumph and challenges in almost equal quantities!
- Click here to read more about our musical staff.