The ABYSO was presented with a beautiful cello by Alison Cox OBE on behalf of the Toby Davies Trust. Alison shared that her dear friend Paula Hart, the mother of Toby Davies, heard about the vision in Antigua and Barbuda to develop a first-class youth symphony orchestra and selected the ABYSO to receive this very special cello. The cello was owned by Toby.

Toby was a student at the Purcell School in 2013 when sadly he died suddenly at the age of 17. Alison described Toby as an energetic, talented young man who was always keen to help with music outreach programmes and to volunteer for everything. He was a member of the National Youth Wind Ensemble, Berkshire Youth Orchestra and the Acer Minor Bassoon Sextet.

The Toby Davies Trust was created in his memory. It helps to support musical outreach work. The ABYSO extended thanks to Tony’s family for this priceless donation and committed to caring the instrument. ABYSO Chair, H.E. Karen-Mae Hill shared how moved she and all the members of the ABYSO were to receive this instrument and said that the ABYSO will ensure that it continues to make lovely music to celebrate the life of Toby.

Categories: ABYSO News