Croscombe Village Orchestra has announced its 50th anniversary season, with two special concerts planned to mark this historic milestone.
The orchestra, which has been an integral part of the local community since its founding in January 1975, will celebrate this golden season with two concerts, featuring a mixture of players’ favourites and classics from Croscombe’s orchestral repertoire.
The first concert will take place on Saturday, January 18 and will feature a more formal programme, with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”, Rossini’s Overture to The Italian Girl in Algiers, and the Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1.
The violin soloist for the evening will be Peter Sackett, grandson of founding member Jo Sackett, continuing a proud family tradition. This concert promises to be a powerful and moving celebration of some of the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire.
The season will conclude with a Prom-style concert on Saturday, May 17, featuring shorter, well-loved favourites in a lighthearted and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for audience members of all ages.
Both concerts will take place at Croscombe Village Hall, commencing at 7.00pm. tickets cost £10 for adults and Under 16s free.
Tickets are available from The George Inn, Croscombe or on the door (subject to availability).
An image of the orchestra in c.1980
The ticket price includes celebratory refreshments (donations welcome) and access to an archival display on the night. The hall will be open from 6pm for ticket holders to see the exhibition.
In honour of this special anniversary, former members of the orchestra have been warmly invited to return for the celebrations, promising a reunion of past and present musicians in what is sure to be a joyous occasion.
Over the past five decades, Croscombe Village Orchestra has nurtured many young musicians, several of whom have gone on to enjoy successful careers as orchestral players and soloists.
Anthony Bevan, 71, who has conducted the orchestra since 1978, reflects on this remarkable legacy: “It has been an honour to lead this wonderful orchestra for so many years, watching so many talented young musicians find their voice and their passion for music. We are a family, and this anniversary season is a testament to the dedication and joy that music has brought to all of us.”
Jo Sackett, a founding member of the orchestra and its secretary for five decades, says: “When we started this orchestra in 1975, we could only dream of reaching this point. It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come and to celebrate this occasion with both familiar faces and new ones. We look forward to many more years of music-making.
“My son Jonathan triggered the idea when he commented that the 1973 Christmas service at St Mary the Virgin, Croscombe, “could have done with an orchestra.
“On the cold evening of January 15th, 1975, fifteen adults and children met to make music together under my leadership.
In early 1977, I asked Graham Robinson, formerly a musician in the Royal Marines, to take over as the conductor of thirty members, giving two concerts a year in various venues. These often included performances by the Bevan Family Choir the Roseberry Trio, and David and Virginia Nasmyth.
Croscombe Village Hall is now our permanent home. Tony Bevan became conductor in late 1978, and since then has steered the orchestra through calm and choppy waters, up to the present day.”
The orchestra is known for its diverse and challenging repertoire and its emphasis on nurturing young orchestral players (somewhat lacking in recent years!) from classical favourites like Corelli and Grieg to modern composers such as Nobuo Uematsu, as well as for giving its musicians the opportunity to perform in smaller ensembles and as soloists.
Instrumental players of grade three standard and above are warmly encouraged to join the orchestra. Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings, and the orchestra is always open to new members, regardless of age or experience. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to get in touch with Tony Bevan on 01749 344180.
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