Many former pupils will remember Bongo – alias Chris Symons – who for a very long time was heavily involved in various aspects of school life – indeed, from 1971 to the present day. Chris was Oswestry Schools’s Guest of Honour at the 2025 Founder’s Day service, where he provided a memorable and inspiring address, and we are delighted to hear news of the publication of his book – ‘A Life in Music’ – in which Oswestry School life features quite heavily. It is also a potted autobiography of his life outside music.
Through the 210 pages of the book (available at Booka, Oswestry, at just £10.00, or from Chris himself 01691 652152), Chris traces his life in music from its start in Penzance, through university at UCL London, teaching in the Choir School of Canterbury Cathedral and finally his long career as Head of Classics at Oswestry School. He is well-known for his many involvements in the region’s musical life, as pianist, organist, conductor and as co-founder and Director of the prestigious Oswestry School Recital Series, which for over 30 years brought to the town artistes of national and international renown.
The book’s final chapter is a detailed record (with anecdotes) of the Series’ inception and rise, and its 140 concerts. In 2015, in recognition of these many contributions to the cultural life of the region, the Town Council conferred upon him the Honorary Freedom of the Town of Oswestry.
In a style not always reverential, he recounts many of the ups and downs experienced by himself and all musicians - amateur or professional – episodes which are likely to resonate with a wide spread of music-lovers and lovers of life. These very varied memories are set within a biographical framework that itself experienced a fair share of life’s mischievous vicissitudes.
