Newent Music Society

This is an open music society whose aim is to promote excellence in the field of learning and performing classical music in Newent. It is a coalition of The Newent Orchestra and Newent Choral Society, providing playing opportunities; St Mary's Church, a high-quality, atmospheric venue; Newent Community School Music Department, with education opportunities for its students.

We lobby local and district councils for promotional support. Significant aims are to encourage new music students and to support Newent School Music Department.

Newent Music Society Coalition

Newent Choral Society
This is a group of over 50 singers who rehearse and perform under the inspirational music direction of Julian Whittaker. Occasionally combining with other choirs to put on large scale works, it presents two concerts every year, often accompanied by professional or semi-professional musicians. The Society will be celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025.
www.newentchoral.co.uk

Newent Orchestra
The orchestra, which consists of amateur players from around the 'Three Counties', has been rehearsing and performing since 1940. Conducted by Tobias Lazenbury, it is growing in membership and has increasing audiences for highly acclaimed concerts. The orchestra also presents day-workshops, attracting players from other music groups.
www.newentorchestra.org

Newent Classical Music Club
This new music group is currently being set up to attract beginner and intermediate musicians. A key element, apart from having fun, of course, will be to help to develop confidence in a safe envirnonment. If you would like to be a part of this, please use the contact form. It will be free to join and the group will rehearse at St Mary's Church in Newent, or at Newent Community School.

St Mary's Church
Located at the heart of Newent town, this historic building, with its Anglo-Saxon burial ground, provides both the atmosphere and facilities to present highly successful concerts, accommodating audiences of up to 200 people. Close to parking facilities and with comprehensive catering equipment, this is an ideal venue for any type of music performance, from large to small groups. The church also lays claim to having a church organ which is unique. Built by local craftsman Thomas Warne in 1737 it was credited as being “Sweet and compleat, and thought to be as good as any of that kind”.
https://stmarysnewent.org

Newent Community School Music Department
The department offers music tuition up to GCSE and A-Level, with a department that is equipped with excellent facilities and learning aids. It has large, welcoming class-room spaces and individual practice rooms.

Music Heritage Exhibits Upgraded

Newent's Market House is home to an exhibition and museum about Newent and the surrounding area. The exhibition has been given a make-over by the History Society and extended to include a permanent display about Newent's music heritage. This is good news for the Newent Music Society which now has a permanent record on display of its considerable achievements and activities. From Easter through the summer, the exhibition and museum is open on Saturday afternoons.

Next Events

Newent Classical Music Club
Starts rehearsals in September.