Hilary Davan Wetton is the inspirational founder of the Milton Keynes City Orchestra and for thirty-three years he has been the driving force behind the quality and maintenance of the highest levels of musical integrity and performance.

 

Hilary’s exceptional legacy for Milton Keynes is the establishment of an internationally acclaimed Orchestra, poised to enter the next stage of their development as Hilary passes the baton to Sian Edwards after tonight’s concert.

Follow the Orchestra’s high notes of the last thirty-three years, as important plans and events for the vibrant new city of Milton Keynes unfold, brimming with energy and creativity.

1975 Milton Keynes Chamber Orchestra performed their first concert at Stantonbury Campus Theatre.

  • The population is 64,000 and work is well ahead on the construction of the Milton Keynes Shopping Centre and work commences on Milton Keynes Community Hospital

1978 - 1985 The Orchestra performs regularly to sell –out concerts in Milton Keynes and travels to the local towns and cities of Oxford, Brackley and Buckingham as their local reputation soars.

  •  Liz Leyh’s concrete cows are first unveiled to the public, the population rises to 100,000, HM The Queen opens the Civic Offices, Willen lake and Caldecott lake are completed and David Bowie holds a three day Concert at the Milton Keynes Bowl.

1980 Milton Keynes Chamber Orchestra School Workshops commence their first programmes.

  • The Bhuddist Peace Pagoda is dedicated, A5 dual carriageway diversion complete.

1982 Battle of Trafalgar performance – 1000 children enjoyed this performance at Bletchley Leisure Centre, repeated in Nelson’s birthplace where 400 Norfolk children attended filmed by Anglia TV and broadcast nationally. Family concerts at Stantonbury Theatre.

  • HRH Prince of Wales opens the central railway Station.

1986 The Orchestra commences a series of acclaimed recordings with the music of Samuel Wesley, William Crotch,Sterndale Bennett, Cipriani Potter, Mendelssohn and Raff . A big step forward regarding the profile of the orchestra, showcasing high standards, broad repertoire and tremendous scope. Limited CD’s of these early recordings are available from the Milton Keynes City Orchestra office and the Raff recording can also be purchased from Amazon or play.com.

  • New County Court appears on the judicial circuit, Gyosei School opens its gates to boarding pupils and Energy World Exhibition of energy efficient housing opens.

1988 Sir Charles Groves conducts Milton Keynes Chamber Orchestra

  • Overseas companies located in Milton Keynes exceeds 150.

1993 A turning point for the Orchestra as it is re-named Milton Keynes City Orchestra reflecting the broader repertoire and heralding the start of a four-year programme of masterclass broadcasts on Classic FM. The education and outreach programme featured an African Journey in the City Centre Church.

  • The population is rising to 170,000 and the City blossoms.

1994 The new Milton Keynes City Orchestra toured the Channel Islands and made their debut tour of the USA, six concerts in seven days culminating with performances in Carnegie Hall and a complete sell out of over one thousand in the New York Town Hall.

  • HRH The Duke of Kent opens the once top secret Bletchley Park, as a museum.

1995 The 20-year celebration for Milton Keynes City Orchestra. Birthday concerts in Milton Keynes and the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, broadcast on Classic FM.

  • Since 1967 50,000 new homes have been built in Milton Keynes.

1997 Vice President of Milton Keynes City Orchestra Sir John Dankworth’s 70th Birthday Concert in Middleton Hall

  • Work is underway on the new shopping centre based around an old oak tree.

1999 Milton Keynes City Orchestra rejoices on a new stage in the magnificent Milton Keynes Theatre.

  • Milton Keynes Theatre opens and is an immediate success with the audience, performers and backstage crew.

2000 A Millennium Concert for the Orchestra and a year of celebration for the music and education programme, including the performance of a specially commissioned community oratorio.

  • National Cycle network links Milton Keynes with Winslow and Oxford, Midsummer Place opens to shoppers.

2005 30th Birthday of Milton Keynes City Orchestra including two magnificent sell-out performances; ‘Seaside Post Cards’ concerts for schools; the first of two annual performances of ‘Proms in the Park’ in Milton Keynes.

  • 125mph trains run on West Coast Main Line, sadly, very few stop at Milton Keynes.

2006 “A Birthday Present for Mozart” – concerts for children and adults celebrate 250 yrs since the birth of the musical genius.

  • Planning for a population of 250,000 by 2008

2007 Milton Keynes City Orchestra launches the 40th Anniversary celebrations for Milton Keynes with a magnificent concert in January. Awarded over £92,800 from Arts Council South East National Lottery funds.

  • Milton Keynes celebrates 40 years with music, art and science festivals and the magnificent new MK Dons Football Stadium is completed.

Milton Keynes City Orchestra has worked alongside Milton Keynes Chorale and The Danesborough Chorus over the years to further develop a magnificent body of work.

The support of the Patrons is fundamental to the ongoing success of Milton Keynes City Orchestra. The farewell concert is sponsored by Corporate Patrons Milton Keynes based DRS. Managing Director Tony Lee said, “The whole team at DRS is passionate about supporting Milton Keynes City Orchestra. Hilary is responsible for the musical growth of the Orchestra, creating many fine performances and bonding together the talent of the lead musicians. We welcome the opportunity to pay tribute to his work and anticipate a memorable and fitting farewell performance.”

Corporate Patron and voluntary Financial Director of the Orchestra David Knapman from Baker Tilly said, “Musical passion alone will not keep the books balanced. Our concerts rely heavily on funding obtained from a wide variety of sources through the skilful negotiation and tenacity of the Milton Keynes City Orchestra management and fund raising team...”

Photo by Charlie Wooding

For a biography about Hilary Davan Wetton click here

More information from: http://hilarydavanwetton.co.uk

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