Our Committee

General introduction …

Chair
Judith Harding

About our Chair - Judith Harding

Judith has been associated with the orchestra for over 30 years, playing in the cello section, and a long-standing member of the committee. In 2023 she became Chair of the Orchestra.

Now retired, her professional career was focused on Transformation and Change in Financial Services and Telecommunications. Alongside her career she has been a member of a number of governing bodies across Education, Health and Housing Sectors.

Judith studied cello at Hull University, graduating with a BMus (Hons). She is retired now but worked full-time in financial services and then telecommunications, whilst remaining an active member of local Orchestras and leading the cellos in Horsham Symphony Orchestra for many years. 

How long have you played with the SSO, and what do you like most about being part of the orchestra?

Whilst I was not with the SSO when it was formed I joined ~3 years later initially playing proms in the park at Tilgate park Crawley and then becoming a full member of the cello section. I have relished the challenge of performing major orchestral pieces to such a high quality, getting the opportunity to perform at major venues across Sussex and working with and getting to know such a fantastic team of passionate musicians.

What first inspired you to take up the cello?

I started out on the piano at the age of 5 but we moved half the length of the country when I was 8 and I had to retake a year at school as they wouldn't let me stay up a year; I was bored!! Someone mentioned the opportunity to have a go at playing a cello in assembly one day so I gave it a go. Within a few weeks the teacher recommended I went private for lessons as I clearly had a talent and the rest is history. I went on to study with Anna Shuttleworth and Susan Lowe at Hull University where I got my teaching diploma (LTCL). I am biased of course but in my opinion the cello is definitely the best instrument going! 

What place does music have in your life beyond the SSO?

Music is in my blood - I just couldn't be without it. I have an eclectic taste in music - from Abba and ELO to Coldplay, from punk to Opera! I've sung in choirs, performed on stage in two operas and performed with a number of orchestras and quartets in both Yorkshire and Sussex. I've even toured Europe with a choirs and an orchestra too performing in Freiburg and Strasbourg. Both my girls are musical and we all love singing songs with my grandchildren, going to concerts and musicals. It's in the family DNA! I also help behind the scenes at the SSO. I have been on the committee for over 20 years and took up the role of Chair of the orchestra in 2023 which has been an absolute privilege.