In the early 1970s, there was no regular local orchestra in Lancaster. Individual instrumental players were invited to accompany choral concerts, but had to look to Kendal for involvement in orchestral music. It was Kenneth Oates who saw the potential for drawing these players together to form an orchestra. With the support of other local musicians, a chamber orchestra emerged, conducted by Gerard (Gerry) Doyle, and led by Wendy Cann. It took the name ‘Haffner’ from one of Mozart’s patrons in Salzburg, and his 35th Symphony, known as the ‘Haffner’ Symphony.
The Haffner Orchestra gave its first concert in March 1976. Since then the orchestra has earned the respect and attracted the support of many well-known professional musicians, including Sir Charles Groves, who was the orchestra’s first President and conducted the Haffner Orchestra at its 10th anniversary concert. After his death, the Presidency was taken up by Raphael Wallfisch, a world renowned cellist, who has also performed as soloist with the orchestra, notably at our 25th anniversary concert and again in 2012. The orchestra has two Vice Presidents, Jonathan Lo and Denis McCaldin.
The orchestra has been fortunate in attracting fine musicians, soloists and guest conductors over the years: Martin Roscoe, Kathryn Stott, Raphael and Elizabeth Wallfisch, Arthur Butterworth, Wyn Davies, Janet Hilton, Linda Kitchen, Craig Ogden, Yonty Solomon, Leland Chen and David Greed among many others.
The position of Musical Director has been held by Gerard Doyle, Tim Carter, Denis McCaldin, Roger Cann, Natalia Luis-Bassa, Justin Doyle and Jonny Lo. Alex Robinson has now picked up the MD baton!
