Led by conductor Tamas Vasary, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, from its beginning until it was closed in 1999, performed and recorded with some of the most talented and important artists worldwide. The Sinfonietta, founded in 1968, was awarded a Sainsbury’s Art for All Award in 1995 in recognition for its rôle as trailblazer for the concept of the Community Music residency. This was a way for artists to share music with those in remote communities where one would never see live performances by professional musicians. Members of the Sinfonietta, both separately and as ensembles, participated in residencies in Cornwall, Devon and West Wiltshire, among other locations. The Bournemouth Sinfonietta was created to complement to the work of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, and during its time was considered to be one of the finest chamber orchestras in Great Britain.

The Bournemouth Sinfonietta toured Spain and Brazil and appeared on Television and radio, at many major British music festivals, for the National Opera Studio and at the BBC proms.

Joseph Haydn’s younger brother Michael has earned less fame. His earlier career followed that of his brother, as a chorister and then earning a living from music as best he could in Vienna. He became Kapellmeister in 1757 to the Bishop of Grosswardein and in 1762 moved to Salzburg, home of the Mozart family, serving there as Konzertmeister to the ruling archbishop and to his successor, while earning a not inconsiderable reputation beyond the confines of his position. His pupils included Weber and the composer-publisher Diabelli, while his influence on Mozart cannot be discounted.

Church Music

Like his elder brother, Michael Haydn wrote music of all kinds. One of the most interesting of his liturgical works is the Requiem he wrote on the death of his first Salzburg patron, Archbishop Sigismond, in 1771.

Orchestral Music

Michael Haydn wrote a number of symphonies and concertos. His Trumpet Concerto of 1764 is a useful repertoire item for soloists, but other orchestral works are heard less frequently.

Chamber Music

Michael Haydn’s instrumental music, in addition to a number of divertimenti, includes a dozen attractive string quartets.