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Andrew conducts his own farewell




Conductor Andrew Swinn and his wife, flautist Barbara, who are stepping down from the Stratford Symphony Orchestra after 47 years. Photo: Mark Williamson (A29/3/16/35)
Conductor Andrew Swinn and his wife, flautist Barbara, who are stepping down from the Stratford Symphony Orchestra after 47 years. Photo: Mark Williamson (A29/3/16/35)

ALCESTER couple Andrew and Barbara Swinn are stepping down from their roles with the Stratford Symphony Orchestra after an incredible 47 years.

The couple, who are both in their 70s, joined the orchestra together in 1968, and are now retiring from their respective roles as conductor and flautist. Barbara also acted as the orchestra’s librarian.

Speaking to Herald arts, Andrew explained that the concert on Sunday, 20th March, at the ArtsHouse, would be their last: “I feel it’s the right time.

“As I put it to an orchestra member, I want to retire from doing it while I’m still capable of doing it.”

Andrew will carry on giving music theory and piano lessons from his home.

During his working life he taught modern languages at Prince Henry’s School, Evesham. Sunday’s concert will feature Brahms’ Tragic Overture, Schubert’s Unfinished Symphony and Enigma Variations from Elgar.

The programme was apparently chosen a year ago, although Andrew joked he could see how “all three terms could be interpreted as having significance to our leaving”.

Andrew said that being part of the orchestra was a regular source of inspiration and refreshment.

He added: “The greatest joy has been meeting our players every Friday night for so many years, and I will miss making music with them.”

Philippa Tennant, publicity officer for the orchestra, said: “It is with enormous gratitude for his unstinting devotion to all aspects of the Stratford Symphony Orchestra that we now have to bid farewell to our conductor of over 47 years.

“Under Andrew’s guidance and vision the orchestra has grown from a small group of about a dozen players to the symphony orchestra of between 50 and 60 members you see today.

“We wish him and Barbara, whom we also thank for having been such a patient and efficient librarian, all the very best in their retirement.”

The orchestra has announced that Dan Watson has been appointed as conductor, and Jonathan Maynard as assistant conductor.



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