Orchestra to mark anniversary

Perthshire members of the Tayside Symphony Orchestra (TSO) will perform a concert on Saturday to mark its 25th anniversary.

Following the death of his father in 1992, the late Ron Walker invited his musical friends to come together for a one-off show to raise funds for the Chest, Heart And Stroke Association.

The concert was so successful that the musicians did not want to disband and the Tayside Symphony Orchestra was born.

The group, which features members from Perthshire, Angus and Dundee, is now well-established on the music calendar in Tayside, with at least three performances taking place each year.

The next event in the Reid Hall, Forfar, this weekend will celebrate the orchestra’s 25th year and will feature eight musicians who took part in the founding concert.

Tens of thousands of pounds have been raised for various charities over the TSO’s 25 years, but one of the key aims is to encourage young people to participate in music.

Tayside Symphony Orchestra’s Peter Clunie said: “It has become customary for every concert to have a theme and the anniversary concert is no exception, with each of the works having a connection to the orchestra’s birthday.

“The programme will feature Bernstein’s Candide Overture and Wagner’s Prelude to Die Meistersingers.

“It is hoped there will be a full house.”