Orchestras celebrate 80 years of music
FOR THE first time, two of Reading’s orchestras will join forces for a special event to celebrate community and heritage.
Reading Symphony Orchestra and Reading Youth Orchestra will perform a range of diverse music from classical and film genres, including from The Lord of The Rings.
The event marks both groups’ 80th anniversaries and is the first time the two orchestras will share a stage.
Both will showcase their talents and to pay tribute to the decades of music-making that have enriched the Reading community.
Chair of Reading Symphony Orchestra, Sally Adams, said:”We’re excited to celebrate this milestone alongside our friends at Reading Youth Orchestra.
“This concert is about more than just music; it’s a tribute to the countless musicians, patrons and supporters who have contributed to our orchestras’ success over the years, and the joy we’ve shared through our performances.”
Reading Youth Orchestra’s Music Director, Mel Le Breuilly, added: “Joining forces with Reading Symphony Orchestra for our 80th anniversary is a special opportunity.
“Our members are thrilled to grasp this opportunity to play alongside and learn from our experienced friends at RSO, and we’re eager to contribute our unique energy and passion to this collaborative event.”
The programme will include Emanuel Chabrier’s España, Maurice Ravel’s Pavane Pour Une Infante Défunte, Paul Dukas’s The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings Suite, and Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations.
Musical directors will be Cathal Garvey and Mel Le Breuilly.
Reading Symphony Orchestra (RSO), an amateur ensemble, was founded in 1944, and is now led by professional conductor and musical director, Cathal Garvey.
The group performs three or four main concerts annually in various venues across
Reading, and special events like performances for children during the Reading Children’s Festival. They collaborate with other musical groups, including the South Chiltern Choral Society, and Orchester der Landesregierung (OdL) from
Reading’s twin town, Düsseldorf.
The RSO hosts an annual Young Musicians’ Competition and welcomes new members, particularly string players, to join its weekly rehearsals on Thursday evenings in Caversham.
Also established in 1944, is one of the nation’s oldest youth orchestras, Reading Youth Orchestra (RYO).
A registered charity since 2023, RYO members through the years have gone on to become professional players and teachers.
The orchestra remains committed to its ethos of youth empowerment and community enrichment, offering opportunities to young players for musical and social growth.
Rehearsals are held on Friday evenings in Reading, and new members of approximately secondary school age and of grade 5 standard and above are welcomed.
Suitable for music enthusiasts of all ages, the concert will take place at Reading Town Hall, on Saturday, April 24.
Doors open at 4pm, with tickets available online for £16, or £6 for students and under 18s.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit: www. whatsonreading.com