Retirement Wishes for Patrick Laurence

Patrick Laurence was born in London in 1958 and was brought up in London and Essex. He studied at the Royal College of Music before joining the orchestra of the English National Opera in 1979. In 1982 he joined the LSO. Patrick is married, and has two sons and one grandson.

‘I’m not the first professional musician in my family. Therefore music just seemed the natural path to follow. Fortunately for me that path led to the LSO! For that, I’m extremely grateful.’

From Rodrigo Moro Martín, LSO Principal Double Bass

Today is a very special, bittersweet concert for the LSO. It is the end of an era in this wonderful bass section, as it is your last concert as a Member, and I wanted to take this chance to say a big heartfelt thank you for the years we’ve shared music together. It has been a huge privilege to sit next to you for the last three years. With your cheerful character and exceptional musicianship, I have learned so much. You have been such a big support, and I will cherish every memory. You are going to be greatly missed by all of us in the bass section and the whole LSO. I know you don’t like this kind of praise, but after all these years of dedication it has to be said and everyone needs to know: you really are a living legend of the LSO! I will miss you very much, dear Pat, and wish you all the best in this next stage.

From Tom Goodman, LSO Double Bass

They don’t make them like this any more. Twenty-five years alongside Pat, and I still couldn’t tell you where the professionalism ended and the fun began – because with him, the two were never separate. An endless supply of jokes and gags, genuine kindness and musicianship of the highest order: he made every day better simply by being there. I tried to be more like him from my very first day. I failed, of course, but after 44 years in the LSO with constant good nature – barely a moan or complaint – that isn’t something you can imitate. Pat simply is that way. He gets on with it, with humour and integrity, and it seems effortless. Such a natural musician who has risen to every challenge. Whatever comes next, I have no doubt he’ll approach it the same way. He is just as happy on the golf course as he ever was behind a bass. That easy grace is simply who Pat is and who I’m sure he’ll always be.

From Joe Melvin, LSO Double Bass

I’ve known and worked with Pat for the best part of the last 20 years, and that is less than half the time he’s been in the LSO – quite a remarkable achievement. I’ve loved every minute of it. A firstclass musician and an amazing person, Pat is the full package … a true legend of the orchestra! Kind, friendly, welcoming, talented and hilarious, he has the ability to light up any room. He’s a rock in the section, and has led by example through his entire career. It is hard for me to imagine what life in the Orchestra will be like after he’s gone, but I know I will miss him. Good luck, Pat! Enjoy spending more time with the grandkids … and playing golf!

From Jani Pensola, LSO Double Bass

Forty-four years with the LSO is an extraordinary achievement – thousands of concerts, countless tours and enough rehearsals to last several lifetimes. Throughout it all, Pat Laurence has been a wonderful colleague, a true friend and a constant source of good humour in the bass section. We’ll miss his playing, his stories and his presence. Pat, after 44 years of carrying a double bass, it’s finally time to swap it for a golf club and enjoy a few more Sunday evenings at home with your wife. Thank you for your friendship, your wisdom and all you’ve given to the Orchestra. Congratulations on a remarkable career, and enjoy every minute of the next chapter.

Best wishes for your retirement Patrick, from everyone at the LSO!