50 Concerts, 13 Years
LCO’s performance of Mahler 2 at Fairfield Halls on 21 November is the orchestra’s 50th concert. Tom Fotheringham, violist and one of the founders of LCO and chair of the Trustees, tells us his highlights from the orchestra’s first 13 years. Interview by Fiona Thompson.
Why did you start LCO?
Back in 2013, I was playing in an orchestra with Ben Woodbine-Craft and Jessica Fontaine. We became disillusioned with the way the conductor was directing the orchestra, but liked the people we were playing with in the orchestra. In response, we decided to form our own orchestra that was driven by what its members wanted, rather than by the conductor.
What’s the hardest thing about setting up an orchestra?
Setting it up wasn’t too hard; the challenge is keeping it going. We’ve only done it thanks to the incredible work and dedication of our volunteer committee, who dedicate an enormous amount of their free time and effort to the orchestra.
How about you and the viola?
I started playing the violin, but was encouraged to take on the viola by my dad. My viola teacher helped me shift to make the viola my main instrument, and it’s been a constant in my life ever since.
When did you start designing the posters for LCO?
It began about 12 years ago. It was just a way that I could use my design skills to help out the orchestra and I’ve carried on doing it.
What are the most unexpected things that have happened along the way?
The Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, scanned us and created the world's first 3D-printed miniature symphony orchestra. When Pablo Urbina was conducting us, we performed a concert of Spanish music which was served with tapas, were extras in a feature film ‘Retribution’ and were filmed alongside Arsenal footballer Nacho Monreal, who swapped roles with Pablo for a bit.
The best things about LCO?
One of my favourite things is our annual series of children’s concerts, which have been generously sponsored by The Fishmongers’ Company. They’re such joyous occasions. Musical education is in a poor state at the moment, so it’s great to give kids the chance to experience the magic of an orchestra.
Which are your three favourite concerts since 2013?
My stand-out moments are playing Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier at the Queen Elizabeth Hall for our 5th anniversary concert, performing Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet a couple of years ago, and taking on Shostakovich 7 at Sinfonia Smith Square this summer. I think that tonight’s concert will be up there, too.
What excites you about performing Mahler 2 at Fairfield Halls tonight?
I love playing Mahler, and as an architect I’m excited about performing in a concert hall that’s supposed to have one of the best acoustics in the country. It’ll also be special for me, as my dad joins us in the choir tonight, and it’ll be the first time in over 15 years that we have performed together.
What makes the orchestra special?
We set out to make music to the highest quality, whilst being a welcoming sociable group. I believe that balance makes us quite special, and it’s the quality that I believe will take us through the next 50 concerts!
