Grand cello goodbye for Lancaster Haffner Orchestra

A key figure in Lancaster's Haffner Orchestra is stepping down after three years of dedicated service.
Haffner cellos, Christine is pictured centre.Haffner cellos, Christine is pictured centre.
Haffner cellos, Christine is pictured centre.

Christine Dittman has been leading the cello section of the orchestra since February 2013 and is retiring in June this year, when the orchestra plays its last concert of the season.

Christine was brought up in Ashby-de-la-Zouch when Eric Pinkett was Music Advisor at Leicestershire County School of Music.

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His vision was that every child in Leicestershire should have an opportunity to play an instrument.

Christine was lucky enough to be chosen as a violinist at the age of eight.

Three years later she was given a cello and has continued to play ever since.

She said: “Playing and teaching have always been the backdrop of my life and I have been very fortunate in the life experiences this has given to me.

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“Teaching has always been my main source of income, but I have loved the orchestral and chamber music playing that have been such an enrichment of the soul. This last sojourn with the Haffner Orchestra has been a real joy and challenge.”

Christine will play her last concert with the orchestra on Saturday June 18 in Lancaster’s Town Hall at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £14 for adults, £13 for concessions and 18 and under go free, students £5 on the door, available online at www.haffnerorchestra.org or on 01524 582394.