David Hedges, Conductor
David studied violin under Frederick Grinke and viola under Prunella Pacey. While at Durham University, he conducted the University Chamber Orchestra. Since moving to Somerset he's conducted Somerset Opera, Taunton Sinfonietta and Taunton Youth Orchestra. He is also a regular Musical Director of Taunton Amateur Operatic Society. He has been a soloist with Somerset County Orchestra in Walton's Viola Concerto and in Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola.
David was appointed Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of Somerset County Orchestra in 2005. As a freelance viola player, as well as playing for many local groups, David has worked for HTV, Welsh National Opera, English National Ballet, Travelling Opera and Chrystal Clear Opera. David has recently retired from the post of Head of Strings at Queens College, a position he held since his arrival in Taunton in 1984.
Alex Ennis, Leader
Alex studied violin and viola performance at Trinity College of Music London and graduated with distinction in 1995. After college she worked as a freelance violinist and violist in London and the south of England working with many well known musicians such as Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Kent Nagano, Julian Bream and many others. In 1998, she accepted a teaching position in Antigua coaching the Antigua and Barbuda Philharmonic Orchestra. Currently she teaches violin and viola at King's and Queen's Colleges, Taunton and at Blundell's School, Tiverton. She performs with Trio Exe (piano trio) and she is the fiddle player in Arquebus (folk trio) and Thalia Duo as well as Hobson’s Choice Barn dance band. She began leading the Somerset County Orchestra in 2007 and also leads the Bridport Chamber Orchestra. She also performs with many other ensembles in the West Country including The Bristol String Quartet and various theatre companies and choral societies.
The current committee members are:
Chairman
Charles Macadam
Secretary
Frances Burns (cello)
Treasurer
David Coglan (cello)
Librarian
Zach Reading (viola)
Patrons Secretary & Publicity
Sue Turner (oboe)
Front of House
Clare Kippen (violin)
Bookings Secretary
Sarah Key (violin)
The orchestra also depends on the support of other members and friends who are not on the committee:
Programmes
Caroline Best
Programme notes
Jane Hamlin
Concert refreshments
David Joysey
Front of house
Members, spouses and friends
Our grateful thanks also goes to Queen's College for our rehearsal venue