Ayrshire Symphony Orchestra celebrates 100 years

Performing at Ayr Town Hall, the orchestra began their programme with Ballet Egyptien, by Luigini.

The orchestra included this piece at its inaugural concert on March 29, 1921 and it was a fitting start to an exciting programme that also featured the first movement of Grieg’s Holberg Suite, which showcased the orchestra’s fabulous strings section.

Cumnock musician Joanna Senior was the soloist in the sublime Gabriel’s Oboe, by Morricone, and the concert concluded with Rachmaninov’s magnificent Symphony No 2 in E minor.

Conductor John L. Wilson is the longest serving conductor in the orchestra’s history and has inspired the members of the orchestra over the past 30 years.

Equally inspirational is the orchestra’s leader, Kathleen Terras, who has contributed so much to the success of the orchestra over the past 20 years as leader.

Kathleen accepted a special award at the centenary concert from the orchestra’s president, Jean Bennison, who has faithfully served the orchestra for many years.

President Jean Bennison said: “We are delighted to be back making music after two challenging years not only for ourselves, but the whole world.

“Under the baton of our inspirational conductor, John L. Wilson, the orchestra has gone from strength to strength. John is the longest serving conductor in the orchestra’s history.

“For the past 30 years he has encouraged and inspired us with an exciting choice of programmes, allowing us to express our enjoyment in playing music together. Equally talented and inspirational is our leader Kathleen Terras.

“Whilst it is wonderful to look back and celebrate the orchestra’s centenary, we look forward to exciting new opportunities to showcase the orchestra’s musical talent and versatility, and most of all, the enjoyment of making music.”