THE founder of St Helens Sinfonietta has died aged 75, with his funeral set to take place this Thursday.

Founder and musical director Alan Free from Newton-le-Willows, started out as a teacher at District School and doing piano lessons before, 22 years ago, he had the idea of developing an orchestra for St Helens.

With the help of his wife, Helen and several musical friends, he set about creating an orchestra and musical society, composed of professional musicians.

Lorna Lyst, a spokesperson from St Helens Sinfonietta, said: “What town of comparable size to St Helens can boast its own professional orchestra?

“It owes its success to the support in time and money of many enthusiastic individuals; but without the dedication and assiduous attention to detail of Alan Free, its MD, it could never have hoped to survive for so long in an era when everyone has music on tap.

“Over 22 years, the Sinfonietta has developed in various ways.

“Each year they put on a series of concerts: some orchestral, some recitals, but also encompassing jazz and other musical genres.

“Last year, the Sinfonietta was greatly honoured to take part in St Helens 150, a concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the inauguration of the Borough of St Helens.

At that concert, children from two schools in the Borough performed a work they themselves had helped to write, under the direction of an international composer, Bill Connor.

“What a treat that was.”

Dad and granddad, Alan sat in the audience of the Sinfonietta’s last performance on March 30, but a week later on Sunday, April 7 he died.

Lorna added: “Tributes have been pouring in from all over Newton and St Helens to remember a kind, gentle, honest man, a caring teacher and a fine musician.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Alan’s funeral will take place at The United Reformed Church, St Helens, the home of the Sinfonietta, from 10.15am on Thursday, April 18.

n For information on St Helens Sinfonietta go to sthelenssinfonietta.co.uk.