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“This was a bravura performance” |
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Salisbury Orchestral Society logo (designed by Morris Binns) and used from 1987 to 2004 |
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About the Orchestra |
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The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra is a talented amateur orchestra based in the City of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England. We promote two regular concerts a year in the City Hall (and occasionally Salisbury Cathedral), usually in March and November and also frequently perform jointly with the Salisbury Musical Society (Choral Society). The Salisbury Symphony Orchestra’s core repertoire are major works for full symphony orchestra from the Romantic era and 20th Century although earlier works are often included in concert programmes. We are continually aspiring to the highest level of musical performance, led by our dynamic and popular conductor, David Halls. The orchestra was founded as the Salisbury Orchestral Society on 16th October 1917 by Sir Walter Alcock, Organist of Salisbury Cathedral with Sir Edward Elgar as its first President. Originally comprising only string players, a number of joint concerts were held with the Salisbury Musical Society. In 1931, the string players decided to “go it alone”, adding a small wind section a year later. In 1933, this was expanded to a full symphony orchestra, thanks to the work, amongst others, of Mr. C. P. Merry, father of Eileen, our Secretary for 50 years. In November 1938 a joint concert of the Salisbury Orchestral Society with the Salisbury Musical Society was conducted by Sir Adrian Boult, who from 1923 until his death, was a Vice President of the Society. John Milne, Director of Music at Bishop Wordsworth’s School, conducted the Society before and after the war until 1959 when Dr. Christopher Dearnley, Mr. Richard Lloyd, Dr. Richard Seal, and now Mr. David Halls - all Organists or Assistant Organists at the Cathedral - have successively been our conductors. In 1963, our regular concert venue was changed from the Guildhall to the newly opened City Hall, and the orchestra expanded rapidly to its present membership of around 65 core players to which additional players are added as required for the works being performed. On 3rd October 2003 the Orchestra voted to change its name from the Salisbury Orchestral Society to the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra as a better reflection of its true identity. The Orchestra is affiliated to Making Music, which represents and supports amateur vocal, instrumental and promoting societies throughout the UK. |
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Opening concert for the City Hall (click to see programme) |
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Eileen Merry Memorial Fund Eileen Merry was the secretary of the Salisbury Orchestral Society from 1948 - 1994. She liked to encourage the younger musicians, and in particular a local and very talented family, the Brown family - Iona (Violin), Ian (Piano) and Tim(Horn) - who were establishing themselves as soloists. They have played many concertos with us and are now internationally known. Iona gave the S.O.S. a substantial capital sum when Eileen died, as a token of their appreciation, and she attended the Eileen Merry Memorial concert in March 2002, at which Tim was one of the soloists. The Committee decided that the gift, together with tax rebate, and the proceeds of the concert, should not form part of the general funds of the Society , and set up the Eileen Merry Memorial Fund. This is administered by the Committee to disperse the annual interest to young musicians in need of financial assistance. |
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