“We were sorry to learn of the death of Barry Griffiths who was President of the Lydian Orchestra for many years and conducted it on a number of occasions. He lived in Sevenoaks with his large musical family of children most of whom played in the Lydian at one time or another. We were lucky to have such a gifted musician on our doorstep who was prepared to give his time and advice to the orchestra.
Barry originally studied at the Royal Manchester College of Music and during his long career he was an acclaimed leader of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the orchestra of English National Opera. He also conducted and made his debut with the RPO in Sicily in 1986, later conducting Cosi Fan Tutte at ENO (a performance which I was lucky enough to attend). He coached and conducted several other youth orchestras including the European Youth Orchestra. In 2002 Her Majesty the Queen awarded him the OBE for his services to music.
His choice of pieces for the Lydian ranged widely and I had the pleasure of playing under his baton in a concert that included Peter and the Wolf and Sibelius‘ austere but beautiful 7th Symphony.'“
- Anthony Daniel
Barry Griffiths' funeral is on Friday 9th October at 11.30 and will be live streamed. Here is the link for anyone who would like to take part: https://www.funeralstreaming.co.uk