Sara Turnbull

Tribute to Sara Turnbull

Everyone at the London Firebird Orchestra is most saddened that our good friend, longstanding volunteer and passionate supporter Sara Turnbull died suddenly on Wednesday 5th February 2020.

Sara Turnbull is pictured above (right) together with her sister Georgina, singer and television presenter Aled Jones and actor Geoffrey Palmer.

Sara was involved with the orchestra from its inception in 2012 and worked tirelessly for it over the years. She helped organise almost every concert, giving so very generously of her time. We will all remember her merrily greeting the audience before each concert, after a long day stapling, sticking and stuffing. Sara loved watching the orchestra rehearse, helping back-stage and enjoying the concerts – while sipping from her hip-flask of gin.

In January of this year Sara was looking particularly well. An operation on her leg in the autumn led to great improvement in her health and mobility, which had suffered after a nasty fall in autumn 2017

Pictured above: Sara Turnbull, right, together with her sister Georgina, who also helps with Firebird


Sara’s cheery gentle character, lively sense of humour and tireless reliability will be remembered fondly and greatly missed. She knew all of our supporters and regular members of the audience well – and was much-loved by everyone who played in the orchestra.

We offer our heartfelt condolences Sara’s sister Georgie, all the family and her great many friends.

Sara’s funeral will take place on Thursday 27th February at 12noon. For details please email: Marc.Corbett-Weaver@FirebirdOrchestra.com 


The London Firebird Orchestra’s Board of Trustees would like to dedicate the rest of the concerts of the 2019/20 season to Sara Turnbull as a gesture of thanks for her enormous support.



From the Earth to the Skies

 In Memory of Sara Turnbull

Tuesday 25 February 2020, 7:30 pm
St George’s, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1FX

From the Earth to the Sky

Mozart Overture to Idomeneo, re di Creta, K, 366
Beethoven Piano Concerto no. 2 in B flat, Op. 19
Mozart Ilia’s Arias: Quando avran fine omai & Padre, germani, addio! (from Idomeneo)
Mozart Symphony no. 41 in C, K. 551 (Jupiter)

Conductor Michael Thrift
Piano George Harliono
Soprano Rosanna Harris