ABOUT THE ENSEMBLES

   Dr W.H. Swinburne

ntil 2006, the two orchestras were known as The Colchester Orchestra and The Colchester Chamber Ensemble.  Although the Symphony Orchestra will rarely play the largest scale works, nevertheless, the name ‘Symphony’ seemed more akin to the kinds of works it was performing.  This gave the opportunity of naming the group that would perform much smaller scale works as the Chamber Orchestra.  The word ‘ensemble’ would be more appropriate to the third group, which is a true ensemble, but varying in size from nine or ten players, mixing strings and wind, to the recital format of, for example, violin and piano.

    However, the history goes back quite a long way!  In fact, the origins of the present day orchestras go back to 1969.  There will be some readers who will still remember the name of Dr W.H. Swinburne with awe and reverence and great fondness.  ‘Swin’, as he was fondly known, was a Suffolk lad, born near Lowestoft in 1907.  He came to Colchester in the 1930s, teaching at the Royal Grammar School, playing organ at Lion Walk Church and was County Music Adviser.  During the academic year 1959/60, he started the Music Department at the North-East Essex Technical College and School of Art, as it was then known, under the inspired Principalship of Dr Gwyn Stephens.  When Pamela Jenkins (née Munks) joined the rapidly expanding staff, she and Dr Swinburne talked of building an orchestra that would be capable of the College work, using the talents of staff and pupils alike, as well as giving outside, independent performances.  It was the peripatetic teachers who formed the bulk of the staff at this time.

    And so the Colchester Chamber Orchestra was born, performing at the Moot Hall with the Colchester Choral Society in 1969.  In the coming years, the CCO supported a number of choral societies in the region under Swin’s   baton.  In 1972, with the Mercury Theatre operating in its new home under the remarkable direction of David Forder, a new venue became possible.  David Forder, always conscious of, and supportive to, the local community, offered the chance for the CCO to use the theatre on his non-performing Mondays.  A keen lover of music, David made this, and the Sunday afternoon rehearsals, possible.  It then needed a willing group of helpers for the many tasks required of an orchestra.

    In 1975, Pam Jenkins (Munks) left for the Sydney Opera House Orchestra, and Mary Carter, her co-leader, changed seats.  Dr Swinburne retired from the College in 1974 and from the Choral Society in 1976.  In 1978, Jessie Ridley became leader, with a very young Beth Spendlove continuing to play in the first violins.  A 20th February 1978 programme shows Emanuel Hurwitz as conductor, and soloist in two of the Vivaldi Four Seasons.

    The CCO President at this time was Malcolm Williamson, master of the Queen’s Musick.  Dr Swinburne was Chairman, David Cutforth Musical Director and Norman Tattersall was Business Manager.  Colin Schooling was the Treasurer, Elizabeth Clover the Secretary, and Margaret Randall had the Publicity duties, including Secretary to the Patrons and Friends.

    By 1980, Beth Spendlove had become Leader of the New Colchester Chamber Orchestra.  Although concerts were still held at the Moot Hall, St Botolph’s Church was also beginning to be used.  Dr Swinburne had become President, with David Forder as Vice-President.  The society’s Chairman and Friends’ Secretary was Fred Reynor, Orchestra Manager Ron James, and Treasurer Paul Spendlove.  Lindsay Spendlove was House Manager and Christine Woodd-Walker was Secretary.  Chris Phelps became the Orchestra’s Musical Director.

    By 1989, Paul Spendlove had become Chairman and Betty Smith Treasurer.

    In 1992 in his capacity as Mayor of Colchester, Paul Spendlove opened the new Sports Complex in Colchester, which incorporated a large concert venue, Charter Hall.  Although the Orchestra performed with the University Choir at the inaugural concert at Charter Hall, it was clear that both price and acoustics made this venue less good for classical music in Colchester.  Although he had championed the inclusion of this multi-purpose hall in the new complex, Paul Spendlove realised that St Botolph’s Church offered the facilities and fine acoustics that the orchestra needed.

    Following the sad death of Dr Swinburne, Professor Roy Teed became President.  Roy continues to inspire everyone about him with his great knowledge and enormous enthusiasm, and not least through the splendid and readable programme notes that he produces for each orchestral concert.  Yvonne Lawton, who had cared for ‘Swin’ in his later years, joined David Forder as a Vice-President.  Today, Gill Collins is the society’s hardworking Treasurer and Administrator;  and Tricia Stewart has the time-consuming, but devoted role of Friends’ Secretary, taking over from the late Stan Shepperd.

    The Kingfisher Ensemble was the brainchild of Beth Spendlove, first playing in the Bunting Rooms in 1992.  This Ensemble could perform much smaller chamber works and give Colchester audiences an additional dimension to classical music.  Soon, Lion Walk Church had the right facilities and availability for Sunday afternoon concerts.

    For the second year, the Colchester Symphony Orchestra has performed in Colchester Castle Park in the Saturday ‘Prom’ extravaganza of music and fireworks!  The guest conductor was Hilary Davan Wetton with solists Daniela Bechly (soprano) and Beth Spendlove (violin).

    And so, we come full circle.  The members of the orchestras are largely professional musicians, although opportunities are given to new, talented students.  We receive no grants or subsidies whatsoever, relying totally on ticket income, the Friends and generous donations.  Despite the paucity of funding, the players continue to make a unique contribution to high-standard professional music making in Colchester.

    Readers will be interested to learn that the Chamber Orchestra’s concert on Saturday 3rd March, 2007 was dedicated to the memory of Dr Swinburne, the anniversary year of his birth.  Included in this concert was one of Swin’s favourites, Haydn’s ‘Farewell’ symphony No.45.  By the time that nearly all the players had left in the final adagio, still playing the final bars were Pamela Munks (Jenkins), the very first Leader, and Beth Spendlove, the present Leader.  That is the circle completed!