About the Trafford Light Orchestra
The TLO was founded over 50 years ago in 1955 by Dr. Roman Marek (Mus., Doc.) as a pastime for the staff of Trafford Warehouses where he himself was an accounts department supervisor. In the early days the TLO Dr. Marek conducted concerts, led rehearsals and arranged large amounts of repertoire for the Orchestra. Following the death of Dr. Marek in October 1971, the association with the Trafford Warehouses LTD., whose help and generosity over the years is gratefully acknowledged, came to an end and the Orchestra became totally self supporting.
Musical Directors have always shaped the development of the TLO, the baton has passed, over the past 34 years, in order between Mr. Richard Fairbanks, Mr. Harry Heys, Mr. David Last, Mr. Timothy Ashcroft, Mr. Albert Oldfield to the Orchestras present Musical Director and Principal Conductor Mr. Darren C. Wood who has directed the Orchestra since February 2003.
The TLO performs all genres of Music, from the well known classics to the Music of stage and screen. The aim of any 'Light' Orchestra concert is to entertain, enthral and engage its audience.
For many years now the membership to the Orchestra has been open to all interested instrumentalists who not only enjoy music for its own sake but also for the pleasure their playing gives to others. From humble beginnings the Orchestra went from strength to strength. Although the Orchestra has performed in Town Halls, Public Halls and Civic Halls before to audiences of over 2,000 people it has also played in little Scout Huts, Nursing Homes and Hospital Wards. Some of our most memorable and emotive performances have been in smaller venues; on one memorable occasion playing in a hospital ward to 20 very appreciative wheel chair bound guests. The Orchestra is self funding, taking subsidy from players and charging concert fees. The TLO is a non profit making organisation, all our profits are donated to charitable causes, there is no distinction made between any denomination and type of charity. Our only stipulation is that the Orchestra considers it a 'worthy cause'. Since its formation the TLO has raised many thousands of pounds for various charities and the members themselves give their services entirely free of charge. The Orchestra’s only reward is the spontaneous applause, which they without doubt receive at every performance.
The Orchestra rehearses every Wednesday evening, 8pm to 10pm at the Platt Lane Methodist Church in Fallowfield, and is continuously looking to expand its number of players. If you would like more information or would like to visit the Orchestra in rehearsals please contact us via our Contact the TLO page.
About the Musical Director
In February 2003 Mr. Darren C. Wood became the Principal Conductor and Musical Director of the Trafford Light Orchestra. Darren is originally from Bradford, West Yorkshire and studied for his B.A.(Hons.)., P.G.C.E., C.C.R.S. in Liverpool. He is a passionate musician who always extracts the very best from the ensembles that he directs.
