TSO celebrate 25 glorious years

A rendition of “Happy Birthday TSO” by around 300 members of the audience rang out in the Reid Hall in Forfar on Saturday evening.

The singalong was one of the highlights of a concert celebrating the 25th anniversary of Tayside Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra gave its first performance in 1993, thanks largely to the efforts of the late Ron Walker, who had invited a number of his musical friends to come together for a one-off concert in aid of CHAS.

The players enjoyed themselves so much, they decided to carry on.

Saturday’s programme had an anniversary theme and was packed full of music from Schubert to Bernstein.

In his closing remarks, chairman Bill Mcleod thanked all musicians, both past and present, committee members, friends of TSO, sponsors and “backroom personnel” for their support over the years.

He also reported the retiral of the honorary president, Mary, Dowager Countess of Strathmore, who has been associated with the orchestra since 1993.

Secretary Agnes Mackay presented the Dowager Countess with flowers in gratitude for her support over the years.

The new honorary president will be Georgiana Osborne, lord lieutenant for Angus.

The next performance will be on September 22 in the Reid Hall.