About us
Background and Repertoire
From a small beginning in September 2000, YLSS has grown to nearly fifty players with more joining each year. Each section has a range of abilities from virtual beginners upwards to experienced players. Members come from all over Yorkshire, including Halifax, Hebden Bridge, Hull, Harrogate and, of course, Leeds itself.
Our repertoire is very varied. We have played music by composers as diverse as Monteverdi, Purcell, Bach, Mozart, Schumann, MacDowell, Sibelius, Warlock, Faure, Copland, Jerome Kern, Ivor Novello, Astor Piazzolla and Arvo Pärt.
Braque: Homage to JS Bach
YLSS meets every Saturday morning in term-time at the West Park Centre, Spen Lane, Leeds, from 10:00 until 12:30.
We also have extra events including a weekend away music making at the seaside, extra afternoon events, occasional days and so on. Watch the website for updates
Our Tutors:
YLSS works with some of Yorkshire’s leading musicians.
George Kennaway
George Kennaway is the orchestra’s Principal Conductor, and also provides some of the cello tuition to the orchestra. He has wide experience both of professional conducting and of working with adult pupils and amateur musicians in general. Formerly co-principal cello in the Orchestra of Opera North, he now works at the University of Leeds where he researches 19th-century editions of string music . His book ‘Playing the Cello 1780-1930′ will be published in 2012.
Andrew Watkinson
Andrew Watkinson’s career has combined both playing and teaching since finishing at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1982.
Five years in the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra followed before returning to the UK in 1988. Part time teaching and freelance playing continue to this day.
Whilst Andrew is still active as a player he also enjoys directing various groups and ensembles and thanks to his association with YLSS, an enthusiasm for tutoring adult learners of Violin/Viola has developed.
Margaret Moseley
Margaret Moseley regularly provides violin and viola coaching to the orchestra and is closely involved with the beginners’ group. Her early career took her to Austria where she played in the Tiroler Symphonieorchester, Innsbruck. She returned in 1979 to join the newly-formed Opera North; working there for 4 years before leaving to start a family. Since that time she has combined freelance work with teaching and coaching. An
enthusiasm for string quartet playing, while at music college, has developed into a life-long love of chamber music. Margaret comes to YLSS with a desire to communicate the joys of ensemble playing.
Other musicians who work with the orchestra include Claire Sadler (double bass) and Judith Burgin (cello) from Opera North, Henry Pankhurst (viola/violin), Stuart Hazelton (viola/violin).
Fees
Full Member £75 per term, with concessions of £56. Fees can be paid by cheque and given to the Treasurer. Alternatively, if you would like to pay by Bank Transfer, our bank details are available on any Saturday rehearsal, or by emailing ylss.treasurer@gmail.com.
Gift Aid
YLSS is registered charity number 1088105, and welcomes contributions that attract gift aid to support our activities.
If you wish to make a gift to YLSS, please download and complete the Gift Aid Form, and forward it to ylss.treasurer@gmail.com.
Contact us for more information, or leave a phone message on 01943 876638 and we will get back to you.
New Music Fund
Since 2006 YLSS has sponsored a biennial competition for composers to write a piece of music for the orchestra. The venture was sponsored by a grant from the arts council
but now depends very much on subscriptions.
The Downloads page contains all the appropriate forms.
YLSS at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival playing its commision by Laurence Rose
YLSS is a registered charity, number 1088105.
New Music Fund
