About Berkhamsted Music

Berkhamsted Music is a registered charity run by volunteers and supported by ticket sales and donations. We are members of Berkhamsted Arts Trust and are financially supported by the Countess of Munster Musical Trust.

The Society notes with sadness the death of Brian Norris, one of the most loyal and hard-working members who joined in 1973 and later, from 1989, served as the society’s Chairman for some 10 years.  Brian was born in Aylesbury and was a pupil of Berkhamsted School where his love for all aspects of music was encouraged and enhanced.  He studied at the Institute of Wood Science, later becoming a fellow of that body.  During his association with Berkhamsted Music he frequently gave advice on choices of performers, and during his time the Society hired many notable string quartets such as Delmé, Coull and Fitzwilliam; plus numerous groups and soloists.  With his wife Heidi, whom he married in 1960, he hosted several of the artists in his own home.  He loyally supported Antony Hopkins, our distinguished President of some 50 years, and was associated with the celebrations to mark Hopkins’ 90^th birthday in 2011, and also the 80^th birthday occasion of the noted composer Elizabeth Poston.  His advocacy of the young Freddy Kempf, and his subsequent recital at Berkhamsted School for Girls, performing in the Centenary Hall on the then recently acquired Bösendorfer piano, will be warmly remembered by many members.   His charm and friendliness as an individual will be missed by many, and the Society acknowledges with gratitude the inestimable benefit of his contribution to the Society over the years.