Michael Rose: A Pillar of Music Education in Bedfordshire

Bedfordshire Orchestral Society Podcast

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Michael Rose is recognised both locally and nationally as having been a pillar in music education and music making in Bedford over the last half century. At over 90 years old, he can look back on a career that inspires many - and he has never truly retired, still teaching now and conducting up until a year ago.
He has taught, supported and encouraged many musicians over the years and in particular young musicians, especially through the Youth Orchestras and Ensembles, which continues to produce many fine musicians.
Many of those who were taught by Michael have gone onto professional careers or to take a role in amateur music as performers, teachers, composers, conductors, keen amateurs and parents of the next generation of musicians. It is credit to him that so many of them frequently recognise his role and the role of Bedfordshire's Youth Music Service in their musical journey.
In this episode we explore two aspects of his work in particular: his conducting and his views on youth music. Michael conducted the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and Bedford Sinfonia for many years, amongst other orchestras and choirs, and it was only in 2023 that he retired. His experience of conducting is immense both in terms of the repetoire and the type of players he worked with.
In this episode he shares with us his view on makes a great conductor and how he approaches the task. He talks also about how we should, given the deep cuts in music education over the last decade or so, take youth music forward now.
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