Violinist Tim Fisher Retires from Bournemouth Symphony

Fisher spent his entire career with the orchestra, playing there for more than 38 years

Violinist Tim Fisher, who joined the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra straight out of music college in 1986, has announced his retirement from the orchestra following almost four decades of service.

He has had links to the orchestra all his life, and was first inspired to take up the violin when he heard a BSO concert aged six. Initially, he learned from local teachers Benny Freeman and Sam Coats, before going on to Trinity College (now Trinity Laban) and then securing his place in the orchestra.

Fisher lists his highlights with the orchestra as including a three-week trip to Paris, where the BSO performed in the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, where the infamous premiere of The Rite of Spring took place. He also singled out conductor Kirill Karabits as making a significant contribution to his time with the ensemble.

He completed his tenure with the orchestra on March 28, 2025.

Fisher plays on a Benjamin Banks violin, made in 1774 in Salisbury, UK. He says the instrument is not at all well-traveled, and in fact it has remained in Dorset for the majority of its life.

"It’s very special to me that I first saw the BSO play all those years ago in Portsmouth and that I’ve been able to have this ongoing story with them," Fisher said. "They are just an amazing orchestra to work for — the players are fantastic. Sitting amongst all of them you think; this is stunning. The volume and the quality of musicians is amazing; I’m very lucky to have been part of it for this length of time."

"Although I’m retiring, I don’t intend to stop playing the violin – I’ll still play for the pure enjoyment, and I’m sure I’ll be back to play with the Orchestra from time to time too!"