History of the BSO
The BSO has over a century of history since its beginnings in 1893. Reproduced here are some highlights of key events during this time, compiled by Bill Copland. Click on any of the links below to see information on the BSO history of that decade.
If you would like more detailed information on the BSO history, Bill recommends two books: The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra by Geoffrey Miller (published by Dorset Publishing Company) and The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra: A Centenary Celebration by Sean Street and Raymond Carpenter (published by Dovecote Press).
If you have any information, anecdotes or personal history linked with the BSO we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact us at history@bsolive.com
1890s - Victorian Beginnings
Italian origins - the uniformed Italian band which had provided municipal music in Bournemouth since 1876, now conducted by Signor Bertini, became the First Corporation Military Band.1900s - Edwardian and Elgarian Echoes
The BMO was now firmly established with series of both symphony and popular classical concerts in the Winter Gardens and elsewhere including the Pier.1910s - The Strains of an Orchestra in Wartime
The Orchestra has to contend with the threat and then the reality of war as the years of 1914-1918 cast their shadow and erase forever the glamour of Edwardian times.1920s - The Testing Twenties
In the 1920s with the First War over there were still continuing financial problems for the Orchestra.1930s - Sir Dan Godfrey Leaves the Stage
The 1930s saw the Orchestra housed in the Pavilion, broadcasting weekly, and surviving the retirement (1934) and death (1939) of Sir Dan, both occasions marked with due honour.1940s - Post-war Ups and Downs
The skeleton 24-player band under Montague Birch, which kept the musical flag flying throughout the war years, grew once again to a symphony orchestra of sixty musicians.1950s – Broader Horizons
Rudolf Schwarz marries and enjoys a ‘honeymoon’ by walking his Swedish wife along the beach from Shell Bay to Studland with tea at the Knoll House. Sadly, the players were on strike for two months.1960s - The Magic Of Constantin Silvestri
It is said that Schwarz made the BSO a national asset, Groves saved it from extinction and the 1960s partnership of the Orchestra with the Romanian Principal Conductor Constantin Silvestri brought it international prestige.1970s – A Scandinavian Flavour
The direction of the Orchestra was now in the capable hands of George Hurst who is highly esteemed as a teacher of conducting and interpreter of Elgar. With him the BSO made both Elgar and Holst (The Planets) recordings.1980s - USSR to USA
With Poole Arts Centre now established, the 1980s see the Wessex Hall become the main concert venue and recording and rehearsal centre for the Orchestra.1990s - Celebrating One Hundred Years
The 1990s will be remembered for the Centenary itself when the Prime Minister referred to the BSO as ‘one of the country’s most distinguished musical institutions'.2000s - Into the New Millennium
BSO ensembles begin regular programme of concerts in smaller venues across the region. Millennium outdoor firework concerts season breaks attendance records and Christmas sees a special Ron Goodwin 75th Birthday Concert.
