Yes, the slightly battered sheet of paper reproduced at the left really is the front page of the programme for the very first concert promoted by Bournemouth Chamber Music in October 1944. Eagled-eyed members will realise what good value they are getting today. The original programme cost 6d in 1944: nowadays they are free!

Looking back at the 50th Anniversary Brochure, we must echo the words of our late President, Edwin Lediard Smith, who wrote in his introduction:

“A sincere and affectionate tribute must be paid to those who, in the difficult days of the 1940’s, with great devotion and energy promoted the cause, and ensured the future success of the enterprise. Few original members remain, but they, and associates of later years will all pay tribute to the drive and dedicated endeavour of Leslie Bickel, the first Secretary of the Society, whose vision laid the foundations of success, and who, with the elected Officers and Committee set the standards for which the Society has long been renowned.”

In another article, founder member, and former Concerts Secretary, Frank Johnson paid tribute to Leslie Bickel and Lionel Budden, who had insisted that concerts should be given by the best-available artists, setting the standards which we follow today. How pleased we were to see Frank at one of our concerts last season.

The Future
Important though it is to salute the past, we must now channel our energies into maintaining our standards, and building for the future.

This website records the new emphasis which the Committee is placing on encouraging talented young musicians, by staging master-classes, sponsoring prizes at competitions, and promoting full-scale recitals.

We must all do our utmost to build an audience for the future, both by persuading friends to join, and by providing avenues of opportunity for young music lovers.