APPLAUSE for the concert dedication to the memory of the BSO’s longest serving member, violinist David Shean (who died on May 9), was reported by Mike Marsh in his review of the David Hill programme at the Lighthouse (Daily Echo, May 24).

David Shean was a musical enthusiast, not only as a player but as an eloquent speaker.

He would also quiz conductors about interpretation – notably the respected Constantin Silvestri – and he was a friend of Richard Hickox, who directed the BSO many times in Poole before his untimely death.

David’s ability as a speaker was revealed when the university awarded him an honorary doctorate, and also at the final concert at the Winter Gardens.

It was there, at a Shakespearean-themed concert, that he met his wife Heather, who acted in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Charles Groves (known by the orchestra as the Guv’nor), jokingly remarked that David’s appearance reminded him of an operatic tenor. David did in fact enjoy singing, but in church (All Saints, Branksome Park), where a memorial service was due to be held today.

JACK STRAIGHT, Haverstock Road, Bournemouth