|
Lyons Corner Houses |
|
Lyons Corner House Cakes September 1999 marked the launch, at a prestigious private event at the Charing Cross Hotel, London, of an exciting collaboration between Marianne Olyver and her Orchestra and Lyons Corner House Cakes, to revive the Lyons Corner House Orchestra.
Rich Tradition Marianne Olyver and her Orchestra and Lyons Corner Houses are connected by the rich tradition of post-war British Light Orchestras. Established in 1991, Marianne Olyver and her Orchestra revives the tradition of a small orchestra entertaining with popular music directed by a violinist of the highest calibre – this is fondly remembered by all those familiar with post war radio broadcasts and the wonderful Orchestras of many Lyons Corner Houses. Marianne first became aware of the connection when the audience at her concerts throughout the country constantly commented upon how the music evoked vivid memories of the wonderful music of many Lyons Corner Houses.
Upbeat and Accessible music The mainstay of the Orchestra’s repertoire is a collection taken from a number of libraries of post war military, Gypsy and Light Music orchestras. The Orchestra is unique in making this wonderful repertoire once again part of a living tradition. It is upbeat, joyous and accessible music suitable for audiences of all backgrounds and ages.
The post-war Gypsy and Salon orchestras During the 1940’s and 1950’s, many of the classical orchestras were in a state of disarray. Of the Symphony Orchestras that had existed before the war, most had been either temporarily or permanently disbanded. Working musicians and music college students were drafted into War-time or National Service, usually with Military Bands. The RAF Symphony Orchestra, in which some of the finest players were employed was of a superb quality. When these musicians were de-mobbed many found employment in light music and gypsy orchestras. These could regularly be heard either on the radio or at the more expensive Hotels, restaurants and Lyons Corner Houses. Many of the top names of the post war music scene played in these Orchestras.
|
|
Thank you all for a splendid concert..The whole event was a very great success – the best yet Chairman, Gala Concert Committee, Bristol Cathedral |
|
Eminent Musicians One of the outstanding examples was the late legendary violin virtuoso Alfredo Campoli. Campoli enjoyed an International career as a “serious” concerto soloist after having lead his own Salon Orchestra for many years. The late Albert Sandler was the greatest British violinist of his era who directed his own light orchestra, which broadcast regularly on radio. The late Max Jaffa had a huge following well into the 1960‘s with his summer seasons of light and gypsy music at Scarborough and his regular radio broadcasts from the Grand Hotel. Max Jaffa was a very kind friend to Marianne Olyver and her Orchestra and offered support and suggestions for repertoire. Musicians at the very top of the profession who played in Gypsy and Light Music Orchestras after the war included James Blades OBE, Emmanuel Hurwitz CBE, Jack Rothstein, and numerous other eminent musicians. top of page
|
