A Tribute to Sebastian Farrall on behalf of The Coventry City of Culture Orchestra
Written by David RhodesIt is with heavy hearts that we remember the Coventry City of Culture Orchestra’s founder, conductor and general inspiration – Sebastian Farrall. Though his time with us currently feels heartbreakingly short, Seb’s legacy is already in motion—resounding, enduring, and deeply woven into the lives of those he inspired, especially those of us in this orchestra, which is not just a thriving community but a loving family that could only have been brought into existence by Seb’s amazing vision.
Seb was a dazzling force of nature: brilliant, multi-talented, and joyfully creative. He brought vision, energy, and flair to every rehearsal, every performance, and every project. And yet, beyond all the dazzle, what shone brightest was his gentleness, his kindness, and his steady, unwavering humility. One member described him as “living his life in the God lane—with integrity, compassion, and deep purpose”. His example of how to live and love whilst firing on all cylinders leaves others without excuse, honour bound to follow that lead.
In 2021, Seb was appointed as one of four Artists in Residence through the Coventry Central Hall’s initiative for the City of Culture celebrations by its (then) new minister, Rev. Stephen Willey. When Seb stated his vision: to form a brand-new, full symphony orchestra that welcomed not just polished musicians, but also those who hadn’t played for years, Stephen would have been forgiven for thinking he was a little crazy – an impossible dream, perhaps?! But what began as a spark became a fire: the Coventry City of Culture Orchestra was born, and with it, a community built around music, inclusion, and joy.
Seb’s final concert with us, in March 2025, was perhaps the most joyful of all. Themed around the Animal Kingdom, the family-friendly fancy dress concert brought out the very best of Seb’s spirit. Sections of the orchestra were transformed into flamingos, penguins, and pink panthers—led by Seb himself, beaming in sequins (just like so many of us today). Over 450 audience members, many dressed as animals too, filled the venue. From the costumes to the soft play baby area, Seb and Fran had thought of it all. It was a celebration not just of music, but of imagination, welcome, fun, and the human spirit. Who knows how many young people in that audience will be inspired to become our future musicians or conductors: that was Seb’s mission and he put his absolute all into it.
Just before that concert, one orchestra member told me how she accidentally walked in on Seb mid-costume change. The main sight to behold, however, wasn’t Seb in his pants—but the sight of his dad, squeezing into a bright yellow chicken onesie. Any predictable embarrassment was quickly replaced with laughter and a shared sense that this must surely be some glorious payback for something Seb’s dad made him do in childhood. That small moment in an even smaller cupboard-like dressing room somehow held everything Seb stood for—joy, laughter, openness, and family.
Seb went above and beyond to help others thrive and to include everyone, from arranging practice spaces, lifts, instruments, tutoring… the list goes on. His generosity and support knew no bounds. He made space and time for others, always. And perhaps his biggest gift was making all of us believe in ourselves. The writer of this tribute, like so many other members of the orchestra, had not even touched their instrument for years when the advert for Seb’s “pipe dream” caught our eyes. See, it’s not just a matter of dusting off an instrument and continuing where you left off. When you stop playing for a prolonged period, you lose not only your skills, but your confidence and your very passion. It took Seb to reignite that passion and remind us all that music lives on deep within our souls. With his nourishment and nurture, you finally realise that it never went away. No matter your level, Seb treated you as a peer. He made music-making joyful and fun for all. Who could forget: “Well done! You can have 10 points and an out-of-date biscuit?!” (I’m not sure anyone in the orchestra knows what we can cash the points in for yet!)
Seb’s love of music and belief that it should be accessible to everyone, his energy, commitment and enthusiasm live on in his family and every one of us. He may be gone from our sight, but never from our future music-making, our memories, or our hearts. Seb will be remembered for so many things, but part of his legacy stands right here before you: this bunch of quirky, loyal and heartbroken musicians known as the Coventry City of Culture Orchestra – we are not perfect and we may never be the finished product… but we are his family and our fire still burns.
Thank you, Seb.
