JOHN WHIBLEY

 John Whibley was born in 1945.  His father was a pianist and composer and encouraged him to take up the cello at the age of seven. From 1961 – 1967 he studied the cello at Dartington College and the Guildhall School of Music with Michael Evans and William Pleeth. In 1967 he married fellow cellist Helen and moved to Manchester to join the Hallé Orchestra which at that time was conducted by Sir John Barbirolli. John left the Hallé in 1972 and joined the newly formed Manchester Camerata as a cellist and took over as player/manager in 1975. At that time there were only 20-30 days work a year but by 1980 this had increased to over 100.  Sadly, John had to reduce his playing commitment and concentrate on management.

During the 1980s the Camerata formed a very fruitful relationship with the conductor Anthony Hose.  It became the opera orchestra for the Buxton Festival for ten years and during the same period travelled to Rasiguères each year with Anthony for a very interesting French festival. Anthony and the orchestra brought the spirit of Rasiguères to the Beaumaris Festival from 1986 to 1980.  That spirit incorporated wonderful music making with social mingling between audience members and musicians. A very important mix. John left the Manchester Camerata in 1996 to become Concerts Manager of the Hallé Orchestra.  In 1998 he spent a very enjoyable time with Anthony Hose applying for Lottery Funding for the Welsh Chamber Orchestra.

 Since 1999 John has been Managing Director of John Whibley “Holidays with Music” which undertakes 30-40 holidays in the UK, Europe and the USA. We are greatly influenced by the spirit of Rasiguères and Beaumaris. John and Helen have six children, two musicians, two teachers and two who work with them in the company. Also, there are ten grandchildren.