I started as a 2nd violin in September 1984 after Ray Jones's wife Leonora had tried persuading me for a year to join. Reflecting on music over the years is a little like being on Desert Island discs. It's difficult picking out highlights as each year has been memorable in one way or another, but I have always been drawn to anything Russian or Scandinavian. In my humble attempts at conducting I particularly enjoyed the work we did on the Mendelssohn and Weber overtures. If I had to pick out one piece that was particularly memorable to play it would have to be Beethoven's 5th in 2008 under Tom's leadership! As for my own musical tastes my favourite works are Rachmaninov's 2nd symphony, Verdi's Requiem and Russian songs by a variety of composers.

I've spent the last 11 years on the leadership team of a Newbury school. The job has been very satisfying but the hours have also been very demanding and I am now ready for a change. After a number of visits to the Middle East I decided to take the plunge and move to Dubai where I shall be working as Head of Modern Languages at Emirates International School. It is certainly going to be very different to what I have been doing. I am looking forward most to teaching older students and teaching French to International Baccalaureate level.

It has been great seeing the orchestra develop and grow in strength in recent years.  I have made many good friends amongst you. I shall miss you all and I hope to be back one day!

Steve

Dear SMO Members,

We are very sorry to have to tell you of the death of our young cellist Sian Wood late on Tuesday 24th August.

David