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Christmas Concert 11 December 2004

Ray Jones' Retirement Concert

What a bumper concert this was. A choir of 125, orchestra of 55 players and our largest audience ever (just about 750), who joined us to celebrate Christmas and Ray Jones retirement after 20 years as conductor of the Orpheus.

Ray exceeded himself on his send off, by leading us in an extended programme of seasonal music, which included some old favourites of the choir (The Boar's Head Carol, A Merry Christmas, The Holly and the Ivy and Ring Out Wild Bells to name a few) and as always some works new to us (The Time of Snow and The Sheperd's Carol both by Bob Chilcott, Patapan - a French traditional carol and Noel Christmas Eve, 1913, music by Lee Holdridge with its words from a poem by Robert Bridge).

This last piece underlines the vast experience and contacts which Ray provided for the Orpheus. Lee Holdridge is a modern composer who lives in Beverly Hills in California, who, at Rays request, arranged and orchestrated the piece for this concert. Lee waived his fee and the choir were please to forward a donation, with Lee's approval, to Sargent Cancer Care for Children.

The second half of the concert was heralded by an unexpected fanfare for Ray as he returned to the concert hall (arranged by our brass players) supported by a spontaneous standing ovation from the audience.
This clearly demonstrated the feeling the the choir,orchestra and long standing friends of the Orpheus had for Ray.
That was not the end of the surprises. During Merry Christmas Everybody, everyone (except Ray we suspect) was pleased to welcome Father Christmas to the proceedings.

The evening was not finished after a long and quite exhausting concert. We moved on to a celebration for Ray. The hall was cleared and we got underway with a full choir photograph (see below - our orchestra members who were able to be present will be seen in the front row). Every member of the choir and orchestra have signed the surround of the final framed print and we hope that it provides Ray with a lasting memory of happy years of music making with us.

Cake and refreshments were served to all those present and Julie Burns, Society Chairman, spoke about Ray's achievements with the choir and thanked him for his work and leadership. Our longest serving Member, Shirley Potter, presented Ray with a DVD recorder which was contributed to by choir, orchestra, Patrons and Friends.

Also, a presentation was made to June, Ray's wife (also a choir member) who had supported him throughout the 20 years.

Anyone who has worked with Ray will have become aware of his sweet tooth and the congratulations were rounded off with the presentation of a suitably decorated chocolate cake (which we knew was his favourite)!!

Not to outdone, Ray replied to the congratulations with a variety of anecdotes, jokes and special mentions for those with whom he has worked throughout his tenure as Conductor and Music Director.

In conclusion, Ray introduced Michael Downes who succeeds him as Music Director with the choir.

We wish Ray and June an enjoyble, happy and long retirement!!

Paul Warren
May 2005