HISTORY

Westlake Bishop of Hove, East Sussex, founded THE BRIGHTON & HOVE CONCERT ORCHESTRA in 1960. With the closure of the last light orchestra in the neighbouring towns of Brighton and Hove (now the City of Brighton & Hove) there was a need for local musicians professional and amateur to play somewhere. The orchestra was formed and had, as it’s primary aim, to bring light music back to the surrounding area. The citizens of Brighton & Hove have enjoyed their performances over the past forty-three years and many charities have felt the benefit of their musical offerings.

 

The Orchestra’s library has grown into a sizeable collection, sadly due to salvaging libraries from other now defunct light orchestras over the years. The library has also grown with the addition of special arrangements by its present Musical Director, Michael Lloyd, and a former resident pianist, Harry Norman.

 

In 1984 Westlake Bishop decided to retire and handed over his baton to a well-known music teacher in the area, Richard Herring. Richard at this time was well into his seventies and found conducting and administering the orchestra more than his stamina would allow for so set about looking for a successor. After a long search he found a willing local replacement and in 1986 handed over his baton to the present Musical Director, Michael Lloyd.

ORCHESTRA

The B&HCO has raised much money for many worthy charities including Three Charities Christmas Appeal at Gatwick Airport, Trevor Mann Baby Unit Appeal, Age Concern, Local Cancer Research Groups and the Brighton & Hove Lions. Concerts are given on a regular basis and include venues such as The Old Market, Hove, Hove Town Hall, Portslade Town Hall, Southwick Old Barn Theatre, Shoreham Centre, Worthing Assembly Rooms and Saltdean Meridian Centre to mention abut a few. Hidden amongst its ranks is a wealth of competent soloists.

 

The B&HCO rehearses every Tuesday evening from 7.30 – 9.30 pm eleven months of the year (September – July) in St Philip’s Church Hall, New Church Road/ Richardson Road, Hove, East Sussex. This very friendly orchestra welcomes new playersof all standards. 

Enquiries should be made to Michael Lloyd:
Tel: 01273 778086 or                
e-mail: mike.musicorps@googlemail.com

COMMITTEE

Michael Lloyd: Musical Director - mike.musicorps@googlemail.com

Bernard Dombey: Leader:

Bernard Dombey: Leader:

Sue Brough: Treasurer: e-mail:sue.brough@bandhco.co.uk

Jim Beaumont: Secretary: e-mail:  jim.beaumont@bandhco.co.uk

SOLOISTS
Soloists within the B&CHO include:

Bernard Dombey,leader: Violin

Michael Lloyd: Clarinet, Saxophones

Sue Brough: Clarinet

Lea Khalil: Oboe

Frank Semus: Harmonica

Richard Reeves  - Flute

Alan Beever - Clarinet & Saxophone

Evelyn Harrison - Clarinet & Saxophone

LINKED ENSEMBLES

The B&HCO is linked to two other ensembles:

The Brighton Saxophone Quartet and the Concert Singers.

These ensembles regularly perform with the orchestra.