HILARY CELEBRATES MILESTONE BIRTHDAY WITH THE MKCO

MK Orchestra founder Hilary Davan Wetton celebrates a significant birthday this week, with a concert by the MKCO. His work in the new city was instrumental in bringing music here, and keeping it here, after all. "When the orchestra played its first concert in 1975 failure was not an option, but in retrospect it is little short of a miracle that the orchestra is still going strong almost 40 years later," Hilary reflects. "There have been golden periods; our series of recordings of rare English symphonies, our tour of the eastern USA, the opening season in the theatre, where our audience averaged over 90% and collaborations with major international artists whose enthusiasm for the quality of the orchestra was always a delight - and a reassurance." Hilary believes there are three main factors for the success of the music-makers: "Firstly, the quality of the players; I am proud to have conducted such exceptionally gifted artists in so many concerts of such varied repertoire. "Secondly, the support of the orchestra's voluntary board and finally the loyalty of the patrons and the MK audiences who have kept the aspirations of the orchestra and its conductors alive with warmth and encouragement," he added. Monday's (July 21) performance  will feature works by Mendelssohn, Nikolai, Sullivan, Vaghan Williams, Walton and Tchaikovsky. Tickets to the show at MK Theatre are available through www.mkco.org  Show time is 7.30pm.