A fabulous night of film classics and Proms favourites for all the family under one roof - or out in the open air!
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Sheila Thompson, a cherished member of the orchestra for over forty years.
Born in Liverpool, the only child of Ed and Olwen, she was a bright girl, spending many hours acquiring a love of music from her father, an organist at the local Methodist church.
Having won a scholarship to the prestigious Merchant Taylor School in Crosby, she progressed to study English at Goldsmith’s College in London, where she also gained a PGCE to embark on a career as an English teacher. After teaching in London for a short period she moved to Shrewsbury in 1977. She taught first at Priory Girls School then moved to Sundorne School until she retired in 2010.
It was her love of music that stood out from an early age; the violin purchased for her by her parents when age 11 stayed with her all her life. Initially a member of Merseyside Youth Orchestra, a contemporary of Simon Rattle, Sheila continued to enjoy music with many ensembles and took principal positions with several orchestras. She played with Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra, Shrewsbury Light Orchestra, Meole Brace Chamber Orchestra, Shropshire Chamber Orchestra and many more instrumental ensembles. With a fine soprano voice, she was also a member of the Friday singers.
Sheila contributed to the Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra not only as a player but also as a committee member, serving as Music Librarian for over 40 years. The orchestra are indebted to her hard work, as she so often went the extra mile to hunt down missing parts. Her extensive knowledge and wise counsel will be greatly missed.
When not busy with music, she enjoyed travelling in her camper van. The natural world, especially bird life, was of great interest. She also found time to enjoy archery, proficient in the use of the long bow. She kept in touch with class mates from school attending regular reunions - a dear friend to many people.
Her funeral will take place on Friday, May 22nd at 3.30pm at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury Orchestral Society was founded in 1888, making it one of the oldest amateur orchestras in the country. The Society operates as a registered charity with the purpose of "educating the public in the art and science of music". A Committee of volunteers organises a minimum of three concerts each year of orchestral works usually including a symphony or other substantive work.
Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra is supported by our Music Director, John Moore and Orchestra Leader, Alex Postlethwaite. Concerts are held in various locations in or around Shrewsbury; further details are elsewhere on this website.
Zoë Beyers is the leader of the BBC Philharmonic and has established a reputation as one of the finest and most versatile violinists in the UK - she played Sibelius' violin concerto with the SSO in March 2018 and says of the experience:
"Shrewsbury is very fortunate to have such a vibrant, committed orchestra, taken from the community and playing for the community. John Moore and his musicians are a delight to work with - I have very fond memories of our performance of Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. I have enormous respect for SSO’s dedication and passion for making music!"
Ben Goldscheider was nominated by the Barbican as an ECHO Rising Star and during the 2021/22 season Ben gives recitals at major concert halls including the Concertgebouw, Musikverein, Elbphilharmonie and Köln Philharmonie.
"It was a great pleasure to play the Strauss with Shrewsbury Symphony Orchestra. Such a supportive atmosphere and a joy to share the stage with. Thanks and hopefully see you again!" [Photo: Frank Jerke]
Jennifer Pike – renowned for her “dazzling interpretative flair and exemplary technique” (Classic FM), violinist Jennifer Pike has taken the musical world by storm with her unique artistry and compelling insight into music from the Baroque to the present day:
"Loved playing the Elgar Concerto with you in the stunning Shrewsbury Abbey, thank you!" [Photo: Tom Barnes]