Marcus Patton OBE

 

I attended a special BBC Musical Celebration at the Ulster Hall in Belfast last night, its purpose being to acknowledge the thirty-year relationship between the BBC and the Ulster Orchestra.

The programme was rich and varied, including plenty of Ulster talent, viz. the conductor, Courtney Lewis; Michael Trainor and Lynda Barrett; the Methodist College Chapel Choir, led by Ruth McCartney MBE; Philip Hammond; and music by Howard Ferguson and Joan Trimble.

All involved performed excellently, including Methody's brilliant choir and, naturally, the Ulster Orchestra. I noticed many familiar faces. Bandanna-man had moved from his usual position, as had the double-bassists and cellists!

I wish to pay a personal tribute to Marcus Patton OBE, whose wonderful illustrations have given us all so much delight for over a quarter of a century. I regularly consult his authoritative guide-book, Central Belfast, A Historical Gazetteer. 

Last night's programme (top) is resplendent with Marcus Patton's drawings and variations of the BBC coat-of-arms.