Brent Symphony Orchestra
We are one of London's oldest and best known amateur orchestras – we'll be celebrating our 100th birthday in 2011. There are musicians all around the country who are former members. We aim for high standards of musicianship and at the same time have fun and enjoy making music. At present (July 2010, our 99th season) we have over 60 regular members and we are hoping to grow even larger. Please get in touch if you would be interested in joining.
Orchestra history
The orchestra began life as the Harlesden Philharmonic Orchestra in 1911. Over the years it had several name changes until settling for the Brent Symphony Orchestra.
Frank Greenfield, a player with the Queens Hall Orchestra and the newly founded LSO, was conductor for 40 years. Then Douglas White the orchestra's timpanist took over for a while.
In 1953 Harry Legge, a well-known musician with the RPO, took up the baton. Over the years he conducted both in Britain and the USA. He worked closely with Rudolf Kempe and Sir Charles Groves. Harry was awarded the OBE for services to music in 1982.
With such a distinguished musician at the helm, the orchestra went on to great things. We gave the first ever concert in the new Wembley Conference Centre and performed regularly at Brent Town Hall. Many famous artists appeared with the orchestra during this time: Shura Cherkassky, Nigel Kennedy, Jack Brymer, Gwen Catley, Felicity Lott and Paul Tortelier to mention only a few. Harry's unique personality and style are still the subject of many anecdotes and fond memories today.
Levon Parikian was appointed conductor after Harry's death in 2000.
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