On Saturday 27th November Hitchin Symphony Orchestra (HSO) held their (much delayed concert) in memory of Paul Adrian Rooke (HSO Conductor since 1984) who died in November 2019. Paul was involved in many musical societies and was part of the Rutland Boughton Music Trust from 2003, taking on the role of music advisor in 2006 when Michael Hurd died. He was an advocate and enthusiast for Rutland’s music and HSO have played many pieces over the years.
The programme opened with Rutland’s ‘A Summer Night’ which we listened to wrapped up in coats, gloves and hats following storm Arwen. This was followed by Max Bruch Violin Concerto No.1 in G minor with soloist Fenella Humphries (pictured above). After a short interval the concert resumed with a Saxophone Concerto composed by Paul Adrian Rooke and played by soloist Alison Eales. The final piece was Elgar’s ‘Enigma’ Variations Op.36. The conductor was Rowan Baker who is the Musical Director of HSO since 2020.
Trustees Natalie and Henrietta enjoyed the concert very much and look forward to the next one in May 2022 at St Mary’s Church, Hitchin.
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