Seaside music

The Scarborough Spa Orchestra

Last night, looking for some music to end my day, I came across a programme on BBC Sounds that reminded me of a pleasure going back many years - seaside orchestras.

It was from Scarborough where the Scarborough Spa municipal orchestra, the last in Britain, was playing at the magnificent Grand Hall. Nine concerts a week throughout the summer, in sun, wind or rain.

They were good, too. Eleven musicians, some of whom had been with the orchestra for 25 years, doubling up, playing over 20 instruments, every programme different.

I always made for the bandstand in parks and at the seaside, with my favourite orchestra in the Rozel bandstand on the seafronts at Weston super Mare. 

The first time was with Rosemary and young Beverley on holiday there. I have forgotten the name of its longterm conductor, famous in the town. Not as famous as some other young conductors of those bands, like Malcolm Sargent at Llandudno.

Last night’s programme, by Matthew Rowe, included a brilliant arrangement of St Saens Dance Macabre that I recently described as the piece that started my lifelong appreciation of classical music. The programme was first broadcast ten years ago.

I am delighted to discover that the Scarborough Spa Orchestra is still going strong after 110 years. It has just resumed its first summer season since lockdown. The famous Yorkshire band is giving daytime concerts in the Suncourt and in the evening in the Grand Hall. Its Teddy Bears Picnic on Sundays is as popular as ever

Well well done, Scarborough.