Nick Barnard

Next to wield the baton was Nick Barnard, who brought to the orchestra his experience in the theatres of London's West End, and his extensive library of delightful, if occasionally obscure and neglected, gems from the light music repertoire. Nick studied music at the City University, London, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. After graduating he specialised in Musical Theatre, conducting and working as Musical Director on many major productions in the West End and around Britain, including Showboat, My Fair Lady, Jesus Christ Superstar, Fiddler on the Roof, Me and My Girl, Der Herr der Ringe and the revival of The Pyjama Game. Nick's attention to detail in rehearsals soon paid off, and he presented some extremely successful concerts. He also impressed everyone with an astonishing ability to convey to the audience his in- depth knowledge of and enthusiasm for the music he had selected. During Nick's tenure a recording of Bugler's Holiday that was performed in one of the orchestra's concerts was broadcast on BBC Radio 3.