Reflections

Susie Gregson, one of the founders of Proms at St Jude’s, reflects on the Festival's history:

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In 1993, two separate orchestras had offered concerts in aid of the North London Hospice and our local church, St Jude-on-the-Hill, had just launched an organ appeal. We put the two together and the idea of Proms at St Jude’s was born.

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That first year, we added an orchestral night, a jazz night, Finchley Children’s Music Group, an organ recital, a concert by the Chapel Choir of Highgate School and a night of Flower Arranging – yes, really!

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Looking back, it is extraordinary how far we have come and what variety and fun have been had along the way.

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Magic moments have included...

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• Richard Baker narrating Walton’s Façade

• Sir Donald Sinden giving a tribute to Gwen Watford

• A performance of Murder in the Cathedral

• Dancing in the aisle to Humphrey Lyttelton and his Band

• Hearing the London Community Gospel Choir and the German Latin jazz group Coparuba

• The rousing Last Night singing

• The Tenebrae winter concert

• The Ukelele Orchestra of Great Britain and the Morris dancers

• Learning that a six-figure donation was to be made to Toynbee Hall as a direct result of a speech at Proms

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