Radcliffe Orchestra

History

In 1978 a group of hospital musicians, led by respiratory consultant Dr Donald Lane, came together to give a concert in memory of a young nurse named Jill Broadis who had died of melanoma, and helped to launch a memorial fund for cancer research in her name.  This concert then became a regular event for 20 years.  Gradually, extra concerts were added, each supporting other medically-related charities.  Over time, the number of musicians involved grew to a full-size symphony orchestra, and moved from the old Radcliffe Infirmary to the larger venue of the Tingewick Hall at the John Radcliffe Hospital, becoming the Radcliffe Orchestra.

The winning formula of the orchestra, liaising with a charity to host a concert on a Saturday evening, with refreshments being provided after, was established early on, and has persisted since. The players are drawn from all walks of the healthcare services in Oxfordshire, including porters, pharmacists, technicians, scientists, medical students, nurses, physiotherapists, clerical staff, GPs, as well as junior and senior doctors.  Family members and friends also help swell the numbers up to a full symphony orchestra.

Dr Donald Lane, also a viola player, pianist and composer, founded and conducted the orchestra from 1978 and saw the concerts through their 25^th anniversary year.  In 2004, he handed the running of the orchestra over to a committee chaired by Professor John Stradling, also a respiratory consultant, who was in turn succeeded by Dr Rosie Adams, a radiology consultant, in 2017.

Over the years we have had the privilege of working with a wide range of talented musicians, both professional and amateur, who have performed as soloists with the orchestra.  In recent years we have also been fortunate to have amazing conductors prepared to rehearse the orchestra for 6 to 7 weeks prior to the Saturday concert.   Our most loyal conductor in the modern era has been Catherine Underwood, who has conducted us at every June concert since 2006.   These regular conductors now include George Caird for our March concert and Andrew Gray each November.  Our 100^th concert was in 2016 and we look forward to giving many more in the future, combining music, fun and fundraising.