The man who saved a BBC orchestra
RIPSad news this morning of the death of Trevor Green, the BBC’s head of music in 1990s Manchester. Trevor revitalised the BBC Philharmonic after a period in the doldrums and threats to its existence. Trevor won the orchestra a contract to make one commercial recording a month and took it on an inaugural US tour.
He went on to become managing director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, remaining in Australia after his retirement in 2010. He was ever the most calm and charming of colleagues.
Trevor, who died at homen in Yorkshire, was 78.
Vale Trev. One of the best in the business. A true leader and gentleman.
Trevor as a charming man. I met him when he was involved in music in Scotland in the 1970s although I cannot now recall with which organisation. Was it perhaps the young Scottish Philharmonia? Sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.
great man, great orchestra
never forget Rostropovich doing DON QUIXOTE with Ray Leppard and the BBCNSO (as was) veteran viola player very moved to take a bow with him
Also concerts with the great Georges Tzipine (Messaien attended one) and of course fine conductors like Jack Thomson, Mena, Sinaisky, Tortelier, Ted Downes
Wonderful man…the most supportive too. I remember him from the early 80s. RIP Trevor.
Oh, what terrible news. An outstanding manager and director but an even more wonderful human being and friend. I have known Trevor since I came into the business more than 38 years ago and his presence and company was a constant delight. He gave insightful advice, encouragement and support through all of those years. It’s an awful loss to his colleagues but, as a devoted family man, even more to those closest to him.
I was 3rd horn in BBC SSO when Trevor was 3rd trumpet. Always in awe of the way he changed direction to become such a successful orchestral general manager, he helped me many times in my own career as well.
When he was manager of the BBC Phil I met him once and asked if he still played the trumpet. “Yes – every day” was his reply “It gives me a sort of mirror image of how things are going!”
I’ve always remembered that.
He was a great player, joining the expanded Philip Jones Brass Ensemble I remember.
Very sad news, Trevor was a lovely man and a true gentleman. My Dad and myself played in the DWE band Trevor set up back in the early 70’s. I have many happy memories. We played in Germany music festival, amazing trip. Trevor will be sadly missed.
Condolences to his family and friends.
RIP Trevor
Hi, I hope you don’t mind me contacting you. I currently play with the DWE and also did around 1983-1994. We have set up an alumni FB page and we are celebrating its 50th Birthday this year and in particular, celebrating Trevor’s involvement with the band.
Thanks Gillian
Clearly a great man. A grievous loss at a time when people like him are most needed to fight against the BBC’s ruthless war on culture.
That’s sad news. Condolences to all his family and friends. Speaking to a friend in the BBC Philharmonic, she said that Trevor energised the orchestra, invited great names to conduct including Solti. Under his leadership, Maxwell Davies became composer in residence and wrote numerous pieces for the orchestra and individual players within it. Trevor took the orchestra to the United States in the face of opposition from certain London based BBC executives. He engaged with festival promoters, producers, touring agencies and educational establishments. In short, he promoted his orchestra of whom he was exceptionally proud. Since he left, his shoes have never been filled and indeed makes the current management of the BBC Philharmonic look very lame indeed. So RIP Trevor, you gave the BBC PO a ‘golden age’. Thank you.
A beautiful man, a wonderful colleague and an even better friend. The world is a sadder place indeed
Trevor opened doors for me and helped my trumpet playing. He was hands on, a Man of encouragement, connection and opportunity, especially for young players. He would produce his trumpet and play along. Never a musical snob. Never a self promotor. Someone to go to.
Trev started me playing brass when I was a shy wee primary school boy in the 1970s in Bearsden. For the next decade or so I was fortunate enough to play in the DWE/DCWE which he ran with enthusiasm, humour and boundless energy. It is thanks to Trevor that I pursued a career as a music teacher (which I still am to this day!) and he sowed the seed in my mind to emigrate to Australia (where I have lived since 1991). A truly inspirational person and teacher. Sincere condolences to Muffin, Claire, Joan (all of whom I lost contact with many years ago).
Hi Nigel I can only echo your comments wholeheartedly. You and I were in DWE together and I played bass. I’ll never forget out tour of Germany!!
Rather like you I pursued a career in music and work as a freelance musician as well as teach. None of this would have been possible without the intervention of the amazing Trevor Green.
It is good to hear you are smashing it down under. With any luck you’ll be able to reply to me via my email address. I can forward on Claire & Muffins details thereafter.
Hi Andy
Glad you’re still playing and flourishing!! Oz is good. I managed to get both Claire and Muffin’s email addresses and have sent them my condolences. I also managed to watch the funeral live last night here in Australia. Sad times but happy memories!!
Cheers
Nigel
Hi, I hope you don’t mind me contacting you. I currently play with the DWE and also did around 1983-1994. We have set up an alumni FB page and we are celebrating its 50th Birthday this year and in particular, celebrating Trevor’s involvement with the band. You would be welcome to join it.
Thanks Gillian
Such sad news about Trevor. I have had the pleasure to play alongside him in his later years. Trevor was determined to play to the end, enthusiastically taking part in our Germany tour last summer, and joining the band for rehearsals since then, whenever possible. I will always be grateful for the encouragement and praise he generously gave to my grandson as he set out on his musical career. Thankyou Trevor and RIP.
Working alongside Trevor was one of the great privileges of my career. He taught me so much and opened so many doors for me. He was always smiling and never failed to keep his good humour, even in the face of much ridiculousness. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you for everything, Trev.
I worked with Trevor at the BBC Phil. He was a wonderful boss and they were great days for the Orchestra. RIP Trevor. Condolences to his family.
Condolences to Trevor’s family. We worked together many years ago in Scotland when he was in the BBCSSO. Then again when, for a short time he managed the UO in Belfast. Honest, trustworthy and very encouraging. RIP