Founder of Rochdale Youth Orchestra, Ken Millington dies

The founder of Rochdale Youth Orchestra, Ken Millington has died at his home in Colwyn Bay age 83.

Born in Wolverhampton, Ken developed a love of music from an early age and studied piano and trumpet at the Royal Academy of Music and Trinity College, London.

He served in the RAF from 1946 to 1948 and took up teaching full time upon leaving the RAF.

In 1967, Ken was appointed as the music adviser to Rochdale County Borough Council and was given the specific brief to establish a youth orchestra.

By 1974, when the local government was reorganised, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, as it had become, was the host of a large organisation that serviced free training in instruments through many of its schools.

Ken became a senior lecturer in the College of Adult Education to continue his Rochdale Youth Orchestra and adult work whilst a separate Instrumental Music Service was created alongside to develop in schools.

During Ken’s time with the Youth Orchestra, they were taken on several tours which included trips to Holland and Vienna.

From the late 60s up until his retirement in the early 90s, Ken was very active on the local music scene. As a talented pianist, he would play concerts with local orchestras as well as solo concerts. He would also accompany soloists in concerts, festivals and examinations.

In 1995, Ken moved to North Wales where he continued to play the piano. He would often give local recitals, would play duets with friends and would teach some of his more mature friends how to play.

To this day, Ken’s legacy still lives on in Rochdale as the Youth Orchestra continues.

Ken in survived by his only daughter Rachael, his three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.