Newent Orchestral Society

Latest News...

50 years with the orchestra

Congratulations to our Conductor and Musical Director, George Taylor. George's association with the Newent Orchestra began 50 years ago when he first arrived at a rehearsal with his trumpet at the tender age of 17.  The orchestra will be marking this happy and notable occasion at the Spring Concert, 17 May.

Christmas Concert
This was the best attended concert in the orchestra's recent history, a thoroughly enjoyable event celebrating the advent of Christmas through music, song and mince pies! Thank you, to guest choir, "Two Rivers Singers".

(Above right) Oldest and youngest orchestra
members, Elizabeth Desmond (violin)
and Ruth Hayden-Cox (Violin)

Left: Ken Boon (violin and hat); Right, cello and wind section members having a little ho, ho, ho.

"Play-for-a-Day"

An annual event at Pauntley Court, near Newent, is the orchestral strings "Play-for-a-Day", held recently in October. It's an opportunity for our string section to get together with players from other music groups and simply enjoy playing through lots of varied music for strings.  This year the day was organised and conducted by Bill Anderton.  The sun shone, Pauntley Court was a lovely place to be and everyone had a great time, chatting about and playing music. A selection of music was chosen from both well-known and little-known composers to create a varied programme for the day.

Lots of Interest at the Newent Onion Fayre

The orchestra's stall was buzzing at this year's Newent Onion Fayre in September. The orchestra has "gone green" raising money with recycled products on sale and our new t-shirts arrived just in time, complete with a redesigned logo. We also managed to put on about three hours of continuous live music, too, with the help of Ken Boon and his sound equipment.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this day a success for the orchestra, promoting our music making and forthcoming community events.

Elgar Anniversary Outing

To mark the 150th anniversary of the birth of Edward Elgar, the orchestra recently organised a visit to the Elgar Birthplace and Museum at Lower Broadheath near Worcester.  Members began their visit with a video about the life and works of this great composer and then enjoyed the atmosphere of the little birthplace cottage full of Elgar memorabilia, including original music scores and Elgar's personal possessions.  Elgar conducted several small orchestras in and around Worcester early in his musical career and notably at one rehearsal venue  orchestra members were obliged to bring their own candle and piece of coal.

Right, meet the orchestra's mascots!

Chamber Groups

We rehearse chamber groups for both strings and woodwind.  The orchestra is developing music making in smaller groups - with some tuition.  The chamber groups currently meets on a monthly basis.  If you are interested in either of these, but don't feel able to commit to the full orchestra, please get in touch for a chat.

Newent Orchestra Membership & Info:
The Secretary, Guy Fletcher, tel. 07763 186927;
email, info@newentorchestra.org