Orchestra pays worthy tributes to the retiring George Lee

MAYO Concert Orchestra is set to look back on 21 years in existence with what promises to be an entertaining night of food and music for the organisation.

The event takes place tonight (Saturday) at Castlebar Tennis Club at 8 p.m. All friends, members, past and present, volunteers and supporters are welcome to attend and honour the achievements of the organisation over twenty one years.

The celebrations are bittersweet as George Lee, the founder and musical director, is retiring along with his wife Mary, who has played violin with the orchestra since its initiation.

Tributes for George and Mary from the members have been pouring in.

Declan Hynes, chairman of the orchestra, part of the brass section and member since the early days, stated: “George has been the cornerstone of Mayo Concert Orchestra since its inception in 1995 up to his retirement. I have found him to be marvellous to work with over my term as chairman.

“His way with the orchestra musicians has been a joy to behold. Performing at events and concerts over the years has also been a wonderful experience with George.

“His attention to detail is quite phenomenal. I wish George and Mary the best in their retirement and am quite certain they will always have an interest in the orchestra going forward.

Anne Moriarty is the leader of the orchestra, violinist and musical director of the Mayo Youth Orchestra. Anne has also been involved since the early days.

She said: 'George was the reason I joined Mayo Concert Orchestra and the reason many of our members rekindled their love of playing music.

“I wholly valued every minute of George's direction over the years; his good humour, patience, expertise, experience and encouragement. I equally enjoyed Mary's witty conversation and assured playing in the violin section. I wish them many happy and healthy years of retirement.'

Cathy Campbell Joyce is the current secretary of Mayo Concert Orchestra and plays clarinet and saxophone.

“We will fondly remember George's good humour and professionalism. He had a great skill of including everyone and making the best of the players he got. Thanks for everything George. You have left a great legacy in County Mayo.'

Pauline Rodgers is former secretary, active member and organiser, who has also been involved since the early days. She plays the euphonium. She had the following comments to add to the tributes.

“I have known George for more than 21 years now and I have always found him to be a perfect gentleman.

“His personal skills and good humour has endeared him to all the playing members of the orchestra, and his concert audiences alike. It was a pleasure working with him.

“His patience and sensitivity towards his fellow musicians was boundless. We are deeply indebted to him and as musical director for the past 21 years. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”

Fionnuala Tynan, orchestra member, violinist and education advisor, concurred with other members regarding George’s passion for music and his skill working with others.

Fionnuala and Anne Moriarty coordinated the Classroom Cacophonies programme, a cross curricular model with music at the centre which culminated in Mayo Concert Orchestra visiting the school community to perform a concert.

Regarding George's gift as a communicator, she added: “It was always a great joy to see him holding an audience in the palm of his hand telling 'stories' about the music and making the classics accessible to everyone.”

Fionnuala added: “I will always be particularly grateful for the way he mediated the Classroom Cacophonies programme with primary schools in Mayo. His skills with children was inspiring.

“I very much miss George from Mayo Concert Orchestra but know I am a better musician for having worked with him.”

Mary Lee, George’s wife, and violinist, who has been involved with the orchestra since inception, will also be greatly missed as a member of the orchestra.

Musicians in the string section will particularly miss her, where her skill as a musician and banter was greatly appreciated.

Fionnuala had the following to say regarding Mary's contribution to the organisation.

“I equally miss Mary who I sat beside in first violins for years and with whom I always enjoyed a chat, a laugh and the odd quip! Over the years Mary has become a dear friend who is supportive, kind and encouraging.

“I wish George and Mary the very happiest and healthiest of retirements. In the words of ABBA: 'Thank you for the music!'

 

MAYO Concert Orchestra is set to look back on 21 years in existence with what promises to be an entertaining night of food and music for the organisation.

The event takes place this Saturday next, October 22, at Castlebar Tennis Club at 8 p.m. All friends, members, past and present, volunteers and supporters are welcome to attend and honour the achievements of the organisation over twenty one years.

The celebrations are bittersweet as George Lee, the founder and musical director, is retiring along with his wife Mary, who has played violin with the orchestra since its initiation.

Tributes for George and Mary from the members have been pouring in.

Declan Hynes, chairman of the orchestra, part of the brass section and member since the early days, stated: “George has been the cornerstone of Mayo Concert Orchestra since its inception in 1995 up to his retirement. I have found him to be marvellous to work with over my term as chairman.

“His way with the orchestra musicians has been a joy to behold. Performing at events and concerts over the years has also been a wonderful experience with George.

“His attention to detail is quite phenomenal. I wish George and Mary the best in their retirement and am quite certain they will always have an interest in the orchestra going forward.

Anne Moriarty is the leader of the orchestra, violinist and musical director of the Mayo Youth Orchestra. Anne has also been involved since the early days.

She said: 'George was the reason I joined Mayo Concert Orchestra and the reason many of our members rekindled their love of playing music.

“I wholly valued every minute of George's direction over the years; his good humour, patience, expertise, experience and encouragement. I equally enjoyed Mary's witty conversation and assured playing in the violin section. I wish them many happy and healthy years of retirement.'

Cathy Campbell Joyce is the current secretary of Mayo Concert Orchestra and plays clarinet and saxophone.

“We will fondly remember George's good humour and professionalism. He had a great skill of including everyone and making the best of the players he got. Thanks for everything George. You have left a great legacy in County Mayo.'

Pauline Rodgers is former secretary, active member and organiser, who has also been involved since the early days. She plays the euphonium. She had the following comments to add to the tributes.

“I have known George for more than 21 years now and I have always found him to be a perfect gentleman.

“His personal skills and good humour has endeared him to all the playing members of the orchestra, and his concert audiences alike. It was a pleasure working with him.

“His patience and sensitivity towards his fellow musicians was boundless. We are deeply indebted to him and as musical director for the past 21 years. I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”

Fionnuala Tynan, orchestra member, violinist and education advisor, concurred with other members regarding George’s passion for music and his skill working with others.

Fionnuala and Anne Moriarty coordinated the Classroom Cacophonies programme, a cross curricular model with music at the centre which culminated in Mayo Concert Orchestra visiting the school community to perform a concert.

Regarding George's gift as a communicator, she added: “It was always a great joy to see him holding an audience in the palm of his hand telling 'stories' about the music and making the classics accessible to everyone.”

Fionnuala added: “I will always be particularly grateful for the way he mediated the Classroom Cacophonies programme with primary schools in Mayo. His skills with children was inspiring.

“I very much miss George from Mayo Concert Orchestra but know I am a better musician for having worked with him.”

Mary Lee, George’s wife, and violinist, who has been involved with the orchestra since inception, will also be greatly missed as a member of the orchestra.

Musicians in the string section will particularly miss her, where her skill as a musician and banter was greatly appreciated.

Fionnuala had the following to say regarding Mary's contribution to the organisation.

“I equally miss Mary who I sat beside in first violins for years and with whom I always enjoyed a chat, a laugh and the odd quip! Over the years Mary has become a dear friend who is supportive, kind and encouraging.

“I wish George and Mary the very happiest and healthiest of retirements. In the words of ABBA: 'Thank you for the music!'