Raising the roof

Opera composer Stephen Storace (1762-1796) lived at The Chestnuts, Wood End from 1788. He was an accomplished violinist by the age of 10. In Vienna he played pool with Mozart and his sister Nancy performed in Mozart's operas. In London, Storace wrote operas with Gothic themes. 'The Haunted Tower' in 1789 sold out for 50 nights.

Sir Michael Tippett (1905-1998), born in Eastcote, was a Socialist and pacifist. He composed the operatic works 'The Midsummer Marriage' and 'A Child of Our Time'.

During the 20th century composers increasingly wrote for cinema. Henry Pryce Jackman, born in Hillingdon in 1974, produced scores for Monsters vs Aliens, Kick-Ass and Kong: Skull Island.

Today, there are many outlets for classical performers. Hillingdon Philharmonic Orchestra, formed in 1985, consists of amateur musicians over the age of 18, and has around 60 members.

In 1923, Ruislip Operatic Society was founded. It performed at the opening of the Winston Churchill Hall in 1967 and still produces a range of work.