BPO’s concerts in February 2020 celebrate the lives of recently departed members of our orchestra; Mike Syrett (Bassoon), Sue Peters (Bassoon), Richard Elliott (Tuba) and Tony Smith (Violin).
Richard grew up with a passion and talent for music. He graduated from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and followed this with a qualification to teach. His move to Birmingham, with tuba, set him on a teaching career spanning more than thirty years. He wanted to share his passion for performing and understanding music, and strove to break down barriers to this. Through school orchestras, adult education and ensembles he engaged with and inspired children and adults to play and be involved at all levels.
While Richard’s taste in music was broad, he was immensely proud to play in the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, travelling with them across the country. His loyalty was rewarded n 2012 with an award recognising his twenty-five years of service. He had his favourite pieces and could be moved to tears by passages from Mahler, Tchaikovsky and Wagner, but in particular he loved music that championed the brass section.
As a modest man Richard would never have contemplated that his contribution to music, his colleagues and BPO would be honoured in such a way.
Thanks to Cindy Elliott Black for this tribute to Richard.
We will be performing our concert in memory of our friends on Sunday 2 February, 7:30 pm at Chipping Camden School (TICKETS) and on Sunday 9 February, 3:00 pm at the Elgar Concert Hall, University of Birmingham (TICKETS).
Williams – Hymn to the Fallen
Ian Rae – Pacific Concerto (first performance)
Enescu – Romanian Rhapsody No 1
Mahler – Symphony No 5: Adagietto
Elgar – Enigma Variations