REHEARSALS are under way for what looks likely to be Middle-wich Concert Orchestra's busiest ever season.
Formed by four keen musicians in late 1999, the orchestra has now grown to a 30-member musical group, which usually plays three public concerts in Middlewich per year. But musical director David Thomas is looking forward to an even fuller events programme for 2005-6.
He said: 'In the last six years we have grown into a sizeable orchestra of talented and enthusiastic musicians, and our schedule for the next few months reflects that expansion. We have traditionally played two or three concerts a year, but we are playing two in the next few months.'
The orchestra's first engagement is at Middlewich Civic Centre at 7.30pm on Friday, October 14, when it will join with the Middlewich Singers for a night of familiar tunes.
Mr Thomas said: 'We're going to play a number of light items including Londonderry Air, the Coronation Street theme and the Archers theme music.
On December 16, the orchestra will play a classical symphony, Mozart's 35th Symphony, at Middle-wich High School's drama studio, and in February the group will spend a day working with professional conductor Richard Howarth.
'It's just an opportunity for us to work with an experienced conductor,' said Mr Thomas.
Despite its growth in the last six years, there are spaces available for interested volunteers. 'We take on people of all kinds of experience and expertise,' Mr Thomas said.
'Many of our players just come to us after several years without playing and get straight back into it - anyone is welcome.'
Tickets to the Middlewich Civic Centre performance cost £3.50, call Gwen Hickson on 01606 833771. For tickets to the December symphony, call Eric Quirk on 07966 134421. For more information about the orchestra, or to join, call David Thomas on 01270 650507.
