A COMMUNITY orchestra in Chester is keen to welcome new members after a busy year of performances.

The Jan Modelski Community Orchestra is in rehearsal for its upcoming Chester Music Society concert at St Mary’s Centre next Wednesday.

It was set up in 2001 by director of music and conductor Jan Modelski, a professional musician with many years’ experience as both a conductor, performer and orchestral arranger. Since then the orchestra has grown to about 50 members with an increasing reputation in the orchestral music scene in the Chester area.

The orchestra is inclusive with no auditions and any player is welcome to come along regardless of experience, instrument or age.

Rehearsals are held at Great Barrow on Saturday mornings and are informal and friendly, geared towards encouraging the best performances from its members and aiding musical development.

The musicians play at least two concerts a year as well as additional performances at charity and corporate events. The repertoire is varied and challenging, including works by Beethoven, Mozart, Bizet, Gershwin and Elgar as well as the film music of John Williams and Hans Zimmer.

In addition to the main orchestra, there is also an introductory orchestra, aimed at younger players, less experienced musicians, or adults who played at school.

To find out more about becoming a member of the Jan Modelski Orchestra visit www.thejanmodelskiorchestra.co.uk . You can also hear the orchestra at the Chester Music Society Concert at the St Mary’s Centre in Chester on Wednesday November 6, at 7.30pm.