Bradley bestowed honourary RNS title at the end of 60th anniversary season

Royal Northern Sinfonia’s much-loved violinist Bradley Creswick was awarded an honorary title at his last concert as Leader of the orchestra in June 2019.

Since joining the orchestra in 1984 Bradley has become a firm favourite with audiences, bringing a unique energy, warmth and animation to performances. His rendition of Vaughan Williams’ famous The Lark Ascending has been a highlight for music-lovers over the years, playing to packed concert halls on every occasion.

The presentation took place at the closing concert of Royal Northern Sinfonia’s (RNS) 60th anniversary season on Saturday. During the season Sage Gateshead has been aiming to raise £60,000 to help support the music and education work carried out by RNS. So far the appeal has raised £57,000 so there is just £3,000 to go before the end of the summer.

At the concert Bradley was bestowed the title of Leader Emeritus in honour of his remarkable career with RNS.

There were moving tributes from RNS Music Director Lars Vogt and players Kyra Humphreys (co-leader), Steven Hudson and Jenny Chang as well as the Friends of RNS.

At the concert Bradley bid farewell by leaping onto a custom-made chariot, which transported him around the concert hall while he played some of his favourite Hungarian folk music, jumping into the audience to chat and perform in his own unique and energetic style.

Bradley was born in West Sussex and began learning the violin aged 12. Born to a circus and fairground performer (his father) and jazz singer (his mother) he was destined to entertain. He went on to study at the Royal College of Music before moving to Newcastle to join Northern Sinfonia (it was bestowed its ‘Royal’ title in 2013).

Bradley, 63, said he was looking forward to spending more time with his family and returning to play with RNS as a guest in the future.

To support the RNS 60th Anniversary Appeal visit www.sagegateshead.co.uk/rns60