West End orchestra leader dies at 51
RIPThe death has been made known of Giles Broadbent, leader of several theatre orchestras in London’s West End. The family issued this statement:
Giles studied at the Royal Academy of Music and went on to lead orchestras for several West End shows such as Sunset Boulevard, Phantom of the Opera and My Fair Lady, amongst others.
‘Although Giles had not been well recently, we as a family are still in shock at his passing. The band will be taking a break whilst we make funeral arrangements. Giles is survived by his wife, the television presenter and former Blue Peter star Diane Louise Jordan and their daughter and grandchildren.
Giles studied at the Royal Academy of Music. In 2003 he formed the electric violin quartet Stringfever with his brothers Ralph and Neal and cousin Graham, playing all over the world from Mumbai to Beijing Music Festival in China. The band has completed almost 20 US tours and appeared on BBC Radio 2’s Friday. Stringfever’s version of Ravel’s Bolero, where all four players play on one cello simultaneously, has had more than a million hits on YouTube.
Awful news. Giles led the orchestra in the German production of Sunset Boulevard and was a marvellous colleague. He and his brothers were already committed buskers and clearly enjo,yes the adventures it afforded. Sincere condolences to his family and friends.
That’s tragic. I met him busking on Guildford High St just the other day. His father, Alan, taught me at school. All condolences to Jenny and the family
Like you Robin, my last memory of Giles was of him busking, this time in Kingston. But that was many years ago. As you say, tragic news. Early deaths happen in the Broadbent family, sadly. Giles’ uncle Stephen died far too young and is much missed. Stephen’s son Graham is the violist in Stringfever. Such a talented family. RIP Giles
A tragic loss of not only a superb violinist and performer but also an immensely warm hearted human. Deepest condolences to the Broadbent family.
I knew Giles since he was around 8 or 9 having worked with his Dad for some years. A loyal, amusing and talented guy was Giles. How sad for his Mum to have lost a husband and a son in short succession.
Hi Robert, this is Ralph. I seem to have lost your contact detials.
Drop me a line: ralph@stringfever.co.uk