Abbots Langley's ambitious, friendly amateur orchestra.
People
Gonzalo Acosta
Conductor
Gonzalo became Principal Second Violin of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra at only 21 and has since led orchestras around the UK and in Europe. After a period of further study in Germany, Gonzalo joined English National Opera where he was Associate Leader for many years. he is now concentrating on solo work, teaching and conducting.
Gonzalo is also an active recitalist and chamber musician, playing in many major venues in the UK and abroad. His piano trio, The Dussek Trio, has recorded Arensky and Hurlestone.
An enthusiastic teacher, Gonzalo has a long history with the Royal College of Music where he is Senior Orchestral Tutor in the Junior Department. He also coaches youth orchestras and senior Conservatoire string ensembles.
Gonzalo’s conducting commitments continue to increase. In 2016 he won first prize in the 2016 London Conducting Masterclass.
Marion Garrett,
Leader
Before studying at the Royal Academy of Music with Rosemary Rappaport, Marion was taught by Head of Strings, Hilda Parry, at Watford School of Music where she gained distinctions in all examinations. She was a frequent prize winner at the Watford Music Festivals.
Marion leads the Chandos Ensemble, one of Hertfordshire's leading chamber ensembles, with whom she has appeared as soloist, and is a member of Watford Symphony Orchestra. She is much in demand by other local orchestras and choral society orchestras. As a chamber musician, Marion leads the Ridgeway String Quartet and is a regular recitalist with pianist, Peter Stephenson and a newly formed piano trio.
Recent solo performances include the Bach E major violin concerto with ALO and the solo violin in the Romance for violin & orchestra by Svendsen this Spring.
Until retiring Marion taught violin with Hertfordshire Music Service and now continues her private teaching practice.
