Memorial concert to honour James Bond musician

24-Feb-2010 • Event

A respected former orchestral leader, whose work included several of the James Bond themes, will be honoured in a special memorial concert at the weekend in Hillingdon, West Sussex, UK.

Julien Gaillard, a violinist and teacher, led Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra from its beginning in 1985 through to his retirement in 1999.

The concert will feature some of Mr Gaillardâs favourite pieces and the orchestra will be joined by two of his former students.

Mr Gaillard was born in Liverpool in 1930, the son of Belgian musicians. Mr Gaillard, initially taught by his father, began lessons on the violin at the age of eight continuing with the renowned Alfredo Campoli until the age of 14. He furthered his musical studies at the Conservatoire in Brussels under Professor Maurice Raskin.

After completing National Service, playing in the military band at RAF Uxbridge, Mr Gaillard first joined the BBC Midland Light Orchestra, followed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Sir Malcolm Sargent for seven years His next appointment was as leader of the BBC Radio Orchestra, a position he held for 14 years. He also played with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic and Philharmonia Orchestras in addition to solo broadcasts and performances both in the UK and Belgium.

He worked on many film and TV soundtracks including several James Bond themes, the Morecambe and Wise shows, Thunderbirds, Upstairs Downstairs and the Benny Hill Show. He also played for a number of popular artists such as The Beatles and Frank Sinatra.

Mr Gaillard continued to give lessons privately until 2007. He died last summer in West Sussex.

The memorial concert takes place on Saturday, 27 February, at All Saintsâ Church, Ryefield Avenue, Hillingdon from 7.30pm. Tickets are available by contacting 01895 674 223.