The Insider
Meet Our New Conductor
Tobias Lazenbury is a vibrant and energising conductor, recently appointed with our orchestra. He has experience of large and small groups, with leadership skills that have been successful in orchestral and theatrical settings, directing players and performers of amateur and professional status. Rehearsals and performances under Tobias's baton are both fun and inspiring.
Bill Anderton, who has handed the baton on to Toby, said that he leaves the orchestra with great potential for Toby to realise in the months to come. Atmospheric Concert
The medieval theme to our late November concert created a magical atmosphere in St Mary's church. Our guests, medieval multi-instrumentalists, 'Ypotryll' transported us to the time of 'early music', perfectly complementing the orchestra's programme.
Superb Strings
Following on from a fabulous open workshop with full symphony orchestra, we staged a day for string orchestra on 11th June in the brilliant acoustic and beautiful surroundings of Newent's medieval St Mary's Church. The day included a variety of music from Baroque to modern. It was gratifying that several guests had travelled long distances to be with us for the day.
Membership Award - 21 Years
Congratulations to clarinettist, Sara Poyser, who has been playing with us for 21 years. Sarah received an engraved glass ornament to mark the occasion and celebrate all those happy years of making music - with more to come.
New Edition of Newent Orchestra's History
A painstakingly compiled history of our orchestra was published a few years ago. The author, George Taylor, handed this valuable document over to current treasurer and principal oboe, Dr Colin Henderson, who has not only brought it right up to date but has created a digital version, freely available on line.
The history records all past members, concert programmes and repertoire, as well as significant dates and events. Inevitably, there is more that could be added, if we knew about it. So, if you have any information or old photographs that could have historic value, please let us know. The document can be read on line or downloaded at 'History and Heritage'. |
Record-Breaking Workshop
Our orchestral workshop in June attracted numbers of guests to swell the orchestra to a record size. A full day working on pieces by Berlioz, Mendelssohn and Beethoven, plus our very own 'Newent Symphony' was a joy! Photos, copyright Robin Lister, CPAGB
Soloist Makes Her Debut
Harpist, Lily James, who is twelve years old, made her orchestral debut with us at the March concert, joining with the orchestra and also playing a solo piece for us. Just beautiful! Lily is a student at Newent Community School and comes from a ‘harpist’ family.
Congratulations, Mr President!
Newent Orchestra Grant Fund
The most recent award was made to Newent Community School Music Department to facilitate a 'Bring and Mend' day for musical instruments. If you would like to donate an instrument to the school for refurbishment, let us know.
Bursary awards are available for the furthering of musical education through instrument purchase support, assistance towards cost of music tuition or courses, provision of a music course, and producing a composition. Applicants resident in the Three Choirs counties of Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire are eligible. The fund is now also available to cover part of the cost for the establishment of music clubs or groups to encourage young people to take up music. To apply for a grant, download the files below.
We have gratefully received contributions to the fund from the Newent Orchestral Music Appreciation Group (NOMAG), St Mary's Church in Newent, Peter Carmen and Chris Wooldridge.
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 orchestra which now has a permanent record on display of its considerable achievements. From Easter through the summer, the exhibition and museum is open on weekend afternoons. Members' Handbook
We have recently updated a handbook describing and defining how the orchestra is run so that members can have the best experience from what is on offer. Interested? You can read or download it from the link below.
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