The Abbeydale Orchestra in its present form has been playing for over 40 years and was formed by the merger of two other groups.
The first was an orchestra, formed in 1939 by Madame Scaife, consisting of a small group of players meeting at Abbeydale Hall and hence called Abbeydale Orchestra.
The second, the “Wednesday morning orchestra” began in 1981 as a Sheffield Adult Education workshop meeting at Holt House, under conductor Malcolm Hannah. The group began with just four players (one of whom is still playing with the orchestra today!!) but active recruitment soon enlisted the 10 required for an LEA class. The workshop was particularly welcoming to adult learners and played music that was generally well known with an emphasis on learning and enjoyment rather than preparation for performance.
In 1986 Malcom stepped down as conductor although he continued to play in the violin section for many years, and Roger Hughes, a school Head of Music and one of the cello players, took over as conductor. Roger left us a legacy in the form of several pieces of music which he composed for the Orchestra and which we continue to enjoy.
In 1988 adult education in Sheffield underwent re-organisation and classes at Holt House, including the Wednesday morning orchestra, became the responsibility of Ray Kohn, principal lecturer at Norton College. At that time the orchestra needed more players and the original Abbeydale Orchestra was also low in numbers so the two orchestras joined forces, continuing to meet at Holt House and under Ray’s wing the orchestra continued to flourish until in 1994 he left to take up a job in Birmingham.
Alan Eost then wielded the baton for two years until succeeded by David Sanderson in 1995. David was an inspiring, encouraging and dynamic conductor, always full of energy and well-loved. During David’s time the orchestra moved to St Oswald’s Church Hall and became known informally as the Abbeydale Orchestra when giving performances for school children. David continued to lead the orchestra for several years until pressure of work prompted his resignation in 2007.
We were fortunate that Keith Barstow, a clarinettist well known in the area, took his place as conductor. At this time the group
was funded by the Workers’ Education Association and for two years things went well. Sadly, increasing pressure on the WEA to demonstrate that their funds were well used resulted in demands on the orchestra for formal feedback that became overwhelming. Members had to complete termly forms including their ‘Personal Aims and Objectives’. One member, then a
new learner, reports “We made light of these forms… For What is your overall objective this year? I would amuse myself by putting to play the Dvorak Cello Concerto.” But they were not really a joke. The mountain of paperwork meant Keith decided to retire and in late 2008 the Orchestra took the decision to cut ties with the WEA and become an independent organisation, now
officially “The Abbeydale Orchestra”.
The Orchestra then needed to find a dynamic and energetic Musical Director to continue all the good work of previous conductors. Fortunately the Secretary knew just the person in Judith Wallace. Judith is a talented and experienced musician, kind and encouraging, with a great sense of fun and endless patience. We are delighted that she accepted the position and still leads the Orchestra today, making our Wednesday mornings something we look forward to eagerly each week.
The Orchestra remains true to the values of the founding groups, open to all comers who enjoy playing music together. Unusually it is made up of adult learners, established amateur players and also professional players and music teachers. Many have been with the Orchestra for a good number of years, staying to enjoy the friendship and fun and the achievement of playing great music – what an amazing experience it was to play Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with a local choir and soloists!! Rehearsals are always a joy and we look forward to continuing for many more years to come.
Our Conductors and Musical Directors
Malcolm Hannah, Sep 1981 – Dec 1986
Roger Hughes, Jan 1987 – June 1988
Ray Kohn, Sep 1988 – June 1993
Alan Eost, Sep 1993 – June 1995
David Sanderson, Sept 1995 – June 2002
Keith Barstow, Sept 2007 – July 2009
Judith Wallace, Sep 2009 – present