Do you have fond memories of playing with the Fulham Symphony Orchestra?

Do you have fond memories of playing with the Fulham Symphony Orchestra – or know someone who did?

The prestigious amateur orchestra – which rehearse at Hammersmith Town Hall – will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year. The orchestra is now eager to reconnect with musicians who have been involved over the years, as well as friends and family who have stories or memorabilia to share.

Founded in 1958 as the Fulham Municipal Orchestra, the musical collective has been bringing groundbreaking productions to west London for decades, including collaborating with Beaufort Opera, Hammersmith Municipal Opera, and Opera at Holland Park for the very first staged British production of Puccini’s Edgar in 1967.

And with plans under way for a special celebratory concert on 17 November at St John’s Smith Square in Westminster, the orchestra wants to bring together as many of its former members as possible.

Fulham Symphony Orchestra chair Sharon Robinson explained: “We’ve got a distinguished history and have played with many of the great and goods, so we would love to hear from anyone who has been involved over the years.”

Gathering stories and memorabilia such as old programmes will be an important part of the coming months as the orchestra prepares to mark its six decades as one of London’s leading symphony orchestras.

From its early days under musical director Joseph Vandernoot to more recent times collaborating with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under conductor Marc Dooley, there’s a wealth of tales to be told.

“We have got members who have been playing in the orchestra for 25-30 years and until recently, had a member who played until he was 93,” Sharon added.

“We would love to hear from people like him, who aren’t playing any more, as well as anyone with a connection to the orchestra. There might be other 90-year-olds out there who want to reconnect!”

Although the 60th anniversary celebrations kick off at the concert in November, a local event is planned at Hammersmith Town Hall in March 2019, which the FSO hopes could include an exhibition of stories, photos and memorabilia.

If you have a story to share, or would like to be involved in the 60th anniversary concerts, please contact Sharon Robinson on chair@fso.org.

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