Hugh Rogers, the chair of Richmond Orchestra, will step down from the role this weekend after seven years.

Richmond Orchestra's, Summer Concert, will be the last time the violin player chairs the orchestra in its concert at the Landmark Art Centre, Teddington on Saturday, 6 July 7:30pm.

Speaking to Nub News, Mr Rogers says that the main reason for him stepping down as chair is that he feels it is the right "time to hand over" the reins.

"I feel it's time to hand over into fresh pair of hands and I'm glad to say that we've had volunteers in the orchestra who would like to take the chair, so that's good," he admits.

"I can step down knowing that we'll have someone taking it on."

Richmond Orchestra's Summer Concert is this Friday (credit: Richmond Orchestra).

During his tenure as chair, Mr Rogers says he is proud of the dedication each member has put into the orchestra, especially during Covid.

He comments: "We've achieved quite a lot in terms of setting up the orchestra in such a way that it runs in a more professional way, we work well together now.

"We've managed to keep it financially viable throughout, which was quite an achievement, especially during Covid.

"In fact, keeping the whole orchestra together during Covid was one of my main achievements. As you'll remember, I mean, an orchestra couldn't come together during the pandemic."

Hugh Rogers is a violinist for the Richmond Orchestra (credit: Hugh Rogers).

Despite stepping down from his role as chair, Mr Rogers intends to continue supporting the Richmond Orchestra when he can as he prepares to travel the world with his wife.

"We've got a motor home, so we'll be off. I'm not going to be around necessarily for every concert, but I hope to still play the violin with the orchestra when I can," he explains.

Residents on 6 July can expect a full sized symphony performing a range of scores from musical theatre such as: West Side Story, Sound of Music, Les Misérables, Fiddler on the roof and more.

In addition, the Touring House School Singers will be joining the orchestra in singing some songs from Frozen and Les Misérables.

Mr Roger continues: "I think it's just going to be a lot of tunes that people know and will enjoy hearing and maybe we'll sing along a little bit."

To find out more about the Richmond Orchestra and buy tickets for Saturday's show, click here.

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