Musical Directors
One of the most remarkable facts about Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra is that in its 64 years of existence it has only had 3 Musical Director/Conductors.There is something about the orchestra which gets into the bloodstream and becomes a way of life for those actively involved.
- 1944 to 1969 - the Founder, Edward Gough held the baton and encouraged the players to perform in concerts and to take an active part in Music Festivals around the country. His involvement with founding the National Youth Orchestra ensured Stoneleigh members had close and productive contacts with prominent and inspiring musicians.
- 1969 to 1972 – Howard Gough took over and ran the orchestra whilst simultaneously building his business. However in 1972 he decided to take a term’s sabbatical so looked for a stop gap conductor and the rest of the story is history!
- 1972 – Adrian Brown travelled to a concert with Margaret Holter (then leader of Stoneleigh Youth Orchestra). His time at the Royal Academy of Music was coming to end so she casually suggested he fills in as Conductor for SYO for a term. 35 years later Adrian Brown is still Musical Director of the orchestra having enjoyed triumph and challenges in almost equal quantities!
- Click here to read more about our musical staff.