The Gary and Eileen Holmes Memorial Fund

Aim

Celebrate the legacy and lives of Gary and Eileen Holmes by fuelling the continued success of the Hampshire County Youth Orchestra.

Gary (Edgar) Holmes was the founding conductor of HCYO, directing the orchestras from 1971 to his retirement in 1996. Gary played a transformative role in HCYO, establishing the Bryanston residential course as well as taking the orchestra on tours to far-flung destinations including the USA, Australia and New Zealand. His wife Eileen was also a great supporter of the orchestras and was one of the staff supporting Bryanston and the tours. 

During this time, hundreds of young musicians had the chance to rehearse, perform and travel together as well as play music at the highest level. 

Watch Gary and HCYO in Australia:

Gary and Eileen’s legacy continues to this day, with generation after generation of young musicians reaping the enormous social and musical benefits of the HCYO experience. 

Gary and Eileen recently passed away and in conjunction with their family, we are launching a fund in their memory to support HCYO. 

As part of this campaign, the Holmes family have agreed to match any funds raised up to £10,000. 

The total amount raised will be announced at the HCYO reunion concert on July 4th, 2027 at The Anvil, Basingstoke. We hope to see as many alumni there as possible on what we know will be a wonderful occasion.

You can help us celebrate their lives and help support the continued success of HCYO by making a donation here.

"For those of us from a certain generation, HCYO was synonymous with Gary Holmes. I can think of no more fitting way to remember him than by recognising his legacy and helping to ensure that current and future generations can continue to be inspired by what he created."

- Mark Vines, HCYO alumnus, parent and professional musician

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 21st January 2027 at 8:48pm